Id Kah Mosque
Id Kah Mosque, located in Kashgar, Xinjiang, is one of China’s largest and most sacred Islamic mosques. Built in 1442 during the Yarkent Khanate, it has served as a spiritual and cultural hub for Uyghur Muslims for centuries. The mosque’s name translates to “Place of Prostration and Holiday Prayers,” reflecting its role in both daily worship and major festivals like Eid al-Fitr. Covering 16,800 square meters, its blend of Central Asian and Islamic architecture—with turquoise domes, arched corridors, and a vast courtyard—makes it a UNESCO-recognized symbol of Xinjiang’s multicultural heritage.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1442 under Sultan Sadiq of the Yarkent Khanate, with expansions in the 17th and 19th centuries. The mosque survived invasions and cultural shifts, becoming a focal point of Uyghur identity. Key events include:
1870s: Renovations by Qing Dynasty governor Zuo Zongtang after a rebellion.
1955: Designated a Major Historical and Cultural Site by the Chinese government.
2001: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Kashgar’s Old City.
2010: Major restoration preserving its traditional Uyghur-Islamic design.
Today, it hosts up to 10,000 worshippers during Eid and remains a center for Islamic education.
Structural Layout
The mosque follows a traditional Central Asian Islamic layout with four sections:
Courtyard (Sahan): A 3,300-square-meter plaza lined with 68 arched corridors (liwan) supported by 140 wooden pillars.
Prayer Hall (Me’chet): A 1,400-square-meter hall with 112 carved wooden pillars, a mihrab (prayer niche), and a 20-meter-tall turquoise dome.
Minaret (Guldasta): A 19-meter-tall brick tower with a crescent moon finial, used for the call to prayer.
Religious School (Maktab): A classroom for teaching the Quran and Arabic.
Key features include hand-painted Uyghur tiles, geometric patterns, and a 100-year-old plane tree in the courtyard.
Major Attractions
Prayer Hall: Admire the intricate wooden carvings, Persian rugs, and the mihrab inscribed with Quranic verses.
Courtyard Corridors: Stroll under 140 wooden pillars adorned with Uyghur floral motifs.
Minaret: Climb for views of Kashgar’s Old City (limited access; guided tours required).
Ablution Fountain: Observe ritual cleansing before prayers at the marble basin.
Religious School: Visit classrooms where students recite the Quran.
Eid al-Fitr Celebrations: Witness mass prayers and traditional Uyghur dancing (late May/early June).
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Visit (1 hour):
Courtyard → Prayer Hall → Ablution Fountain.
Highlights: Photography, architectural details, and cultural immersion.
Standard Route (2 hours):
Courtyard → Prayer Hall → Minaret (guided) → Religious School.
Highlights: Climb the minaret and learn about Islamic education.
Cultural Exploration (Half-Day):
Morning: Mosque visit + Eid al-Fitr festival (seasonal).
Afternoon: Kashgar Old Town walking tour (1 km away).
Highlights: Combine spirituality with Uyghur heritage.
Ticket Purchase
Entry Fee: ¥45 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors). Free for Muslims with valid ID.
Online: Book via Ctrip or Trip.com (recommended during peak seasons).
On-Site: Tickets available at the mosque entrance; arrive early to avoid queues.
Guided Tours: ¥100 (1–2 hours) for minaret access and historical insights.
Transportation
By Foot: 15-minute walk from Kashgar’s Old Town center.
By Bus: Routes 2, 7, or 28 to “Aitiga’er Jingang” stop.
By Taxi: ¥10–15 from Kashgar Railway Station (10-minute ride).
By Bike: Rent e-bikes (¥30/hour) for a scenic ride through the Old City.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early (9–10 AM) or late (6–7 PM). Fridays are busiest due to noon prayers.
Respectful Attire: Cover shoulders and knees; women receive scarves at the entrance.
Photography: Allowed in courtyards and exterior areas; no photos inside the prayer hall.
Prohibited: Loud speech, smoking, and non-Muslims entering the prayer hall during services.
Local Customs: Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall; follow silent zones.
