ABSTRACT

This chapter follows journalists, activists of the Islamic movement and politicians through the rubble of the site of demolitions and, from there, through other episodes of their lives. Most importantly, despite circulating accounts of homeless people, the area in question was not inhabited by anyone; it turns out to be a ‘ghost village’. I present emblematic moments of how the demolitions and reconstructions created a hotspot around which claims unfold their social life. Connections develop in different directions. For example, liberal activists associate with Islamists in new forms of collaborations and the story travels in various versions through the international media sphere. But before this could happen, a connection between the unknown and remote site of the demolitions and the world of activism had to be established.