Forbidden Memory: Tibet During the Cultural Revolution

In 1966, the Chinese Cultural Revolution reached Tibet, resulting in the systematic destruction of monasteries, looting of libraries, burning of rare books and paintings, and the declaration of the Dalai Lama as a criminal. Few outsiders know about the events that took place five decades ago on the Tibetan plateau. Through never-before-seen photographs, detailed interviews, and cultural analysis, Forbidden Memory: Tibet during the Cultural Revolution provides a glimpse of the history of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the Tibetan Region. Writer and activist Tsering Woeser reflects on the ethnic character and cultural traditions of Tibet, denouncing the Chinese government's invasion. The photographs in the collection, taken by Woeser's father, reveal how the Chinese government transformed the once-secluded Buddhist state into a hell on earth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2020
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc

The Chinese Cultural Revolution reached Tibet in July 1966, marking a tumultuous period in the region's history. Upon its arrival, monasteries were systematically destroyed, libraries were looted, rare books and paintings were burned, and Buddhist scriptures were even used as wrapping paper. The Dalai Lama, revered as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, was declared a criminal, further exacerbating the tensions. The events of that era, shrouded in mystery and largely unknown to the outside world, have now been brought to light through the powerful lens of Forbidden Memory: Tibet during the Cultural Revolution.

Written by writer and activist Tsering Woeser, this book offers a poignant reflection on the ethnic character and cultural traditions of Tibet, which were ruthlessly suppressed during the Chinese government's invasion. The collection of photographs featured in Forbidden Memory were taken by Woeser's father, providing a visual record of the devastation caused by the Chinese government. The photographs depict sacred temples demolished, cultural artifacts destroyed, monks and nuns humiliated and beaten, and formidable processions of troops, adorned with flags and banners, marching through the mountains.

Tsering Woeser's Forbidden Memory serves as a powerful testament to the disturbing history of Tibet in the latter half of the twentieth century. It breaks the silence and sheds light on the plight of the Tibetan people, who have faced decades of oppression and cultural erasure. Through his writing and the photographs in this book, Woeser calls for an honest examination of the Chinese government's actions and the ongoing struggle for the liberation of Tibet.

The Chinese Cultural Revolution, which began in 1966, had a profound impact on Tibet, resulting in the destruction of countless cultural treasures and the persecution of the Tibetan people. The book highlights the systematic destruction of monasteries, the looting of libraries, and the burning of rare books and paintings. The Dalai Lama, who was revered as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, was labeled a criminal, and his followers were subjected to brutal repression.

The Chinese government attempted to erase Tibetan culture and identity by forcing the adoption of Chinese language and customs and by promoting atheism and Marxism-Leninism. The processions of troops that marched through the mountains were a symbol of the Chinese government's military might and its determination to impose its will on the Tibetan people.

Despite the Chinese government's efforts to suppress the truth, the events of the Cultural Revolution have not been forgotten. Activists and scholars have worked tirelessly to document the history of Tibet and to raise awareness about the ongoing human rights abuses in the region. Forbidden Memory: Tibet during the Cultural Revolution provides a valuable contribution to this effort, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Tibetan people and the devastating impact of the Chinese government's policies.

The book is organized into three parts: "Before the Revolution," "During the Revolution," and "After the Revolution." In the first part, Woeser provides a historical overview of Tibet, including its rich cultural heritage and the challenges it faced under Chinese rule. The second part explores the events of the Cultural Revolution, including the destruction of monasteries, the persecution of monks and nuns, and the forced relocation of Tibetan people to labor camps. The third part examines the legacy of the Cultural Revolution, including the ongoing struggles for cultural autonomy and the fight for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

Through the use of photographs, interviews, and cultural analysis, Woeser provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the Tibetan people. The photographs, taken by Woeser's father, capture the destruction and desolation that the Cultural Revolution left in its wake. They depict the burning of sacred temples, the demolition of monasteries, and the forced relocation of Tibetan people to labor camps. The interviews with Tibetan survivors and witnesses provide a human face to the tragedy, revealing the pain and suffering that they have endured.

Woeser's writing is powerful and evocative, conveying the sense of loss and longing that the Tibetan people feel for their homeland. He highlights the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and identity and calls for an international effort to support the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and self-determination.

In conclusion, Forbidden Memory: Tibet during the Cultural Revolution is a powerful and important book that sheds light on the history of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in the Tibettan Region. Through the use of photographs, interviews, and cultural analysis, Woeser provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the Tibetan people and the devastating impact of the Chinese government's policies. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the ongoing struggle for human rights and dignity in the world.

Weight: 1270g
Dimension: 190 x 263 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612349695