Xi’an Great Mosque

Xi’an Great Mosque is located at Change feeling (30 Huajue) lane, which is in the center of the city. It is one of the largest and most important Islamic places for worship in China.

This mosque was constructed in the year 724 ad, Which was the 1st year of the Tianbao Era of Xuanrong reign in the Dynasty of Tang. The additions were made in the Dynasties of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing which makes this mosque an ancient architectural complex and representative of a long period of time and history.

Xi’an Great Mosque

Xi’an Great Mosque

During the period of Tang Dynasty, The Islam was introduced in china by several Arabian merchants. During that time, many Muslims settled in China and married to Han people. Then, at that time, this Great Mosque was constructed honoring the founders of Islamic religion in China. After then several other mosques have been constructed all across this country.

This Great Mosque covers an area of approx 6000 square meters. The whole complex has been divided into the four courtyards. First courtyard has the wooden arch in it. This arch is nine meters in height and covered with glazed tiles which can be traced back to seventeenth century. There are three chambers which stand on the either side of the arch. This displays some furniture which is preserved from the Ming and Qing Dynasty. There is a steel arch having two steels on the both side of it at the center of the second yard. There are popular calligraphic writings on the steels from the prominent ancient calligraphers. Fourth of the courtyard contains the big prayer hall which can easily accommodate over thousand people.

Xi’an Great Mosque

Inside view of Xi’an Great Mosque

This mosque is the combination of traditional Chinese architecture as well as Islamic art. In the style of Chinese thee are series of the pavilions and the four courtyards having mosque between them. However, the wall is decorated with the Islamic art. It is the only mosque which is open to visitors in china. But, non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to visit the main prayer hall. This mosque was added I the list of UNESCO Islamic Heritage in the year 1985.

 

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