Explore Id Kah Mosque: A Cultural and Spiritual Journey
“You haven’t truly been to Xinjiang without visiting Kashgar.” The saying holds a grain of truth. As a key town in Southern Xinjiang, Kashgar is located at the crossroads of the Silk Road’s Central and Southern routes. Historically known as Shule, it was one of the oldest and most famous international trading markets in the Western Regions. After the 11th century, this Central Asian city gradually became a center of Islamic culture, and to this day, it remains steeped in a rich religious atmosphere and exotic charm. With its long history, Kashgar is home to numerous cultural relics, one of which is the world-famous Id Kah Mosque.
On a Kashgar tour, visiting the Id Kah Mosque offers a in-depth dive into the Islamic culture and the unique charm of this ancient city. You can attend the grand prayers during Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, or enjoy its serene ambiance. Either way, Id Kah Mosque provides fantastic experience on the tour along China Silk Road.
Id Kah Mosque Facts
- Address: North Jiefang Road, Kashgar Old Town, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang
- Type: Historical Site, Landmark, Religious Site,
- Best Time to Visit: April – October
- Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hour
- Opening Hours: 10:30~19:30
- Tickets: RMB 45
Why Visit Id Kah Mosque
There are many renowned temples and religious sites that reflect the rich cultural heritage on the trip along China Silk Road. Sites such as the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, Dunhuang’s Mogao Grottoes and the Giant Buddha Temple of Zhangye, all offer insights into the cultural exchanges of the ancient Silk Road. Among these sites, the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar China stands as a symbol of Islamic culture in Xinjiang. It is one of the largest and most important mosques in Xinjiang, and also one of the world’s largest Islamic architectural complexes.
Id Kah Mosque History
The Id Kah Mosque is located in the Kashgar Old Town in western China. It serves as a religious center for Muslims and is a historic landmark of profound cultural importance. The origins of Id Kah Mosque can be traced back to 1442, when Sultan Said Muhammad Sa’id of the Kashgar Khanate commissioned its construction.
In 1809, Id Kah Mosque was demolished and expanded. In 1872, Agubo formally built the mosque’s gate tower in front of the temple and added many new facilities, which formed what we see today. Since Islam was introduced to Kashgar as early as the 10th century, the mosque’s history is even more profound. It has always been the main religious center for Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, serving as a place for religious, cultural, and community gatherings.
As the spiritual center of Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque is rich in legends and stories. It is said that during its construction, Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din, a prominent figure, personally oversaw the design and construction and selected the finest materials and craftsmen. This hands-on approach not only ensured the mosque’s high quality but also made it one of the most magnificent structures in Kashgar at the time.
Another legend tells a traveler from afar who was so moved by the beauty and sanctity of Id Kah Mosque that he decided to stay in Kashgar to study Islamic scriptures. He later became a renowned religious scholar. His story has inspired countless young people to pursue knowledge and faith, and Id Kah Mosque therefore became a place of education and enlightenment.
What to Do in Id Kah Mosque
As one of the largest mosques in China, Id Kah Mosque is an iconic landmark of Kashgar and a must-visit attraction for people planning a Xinjiang travel. The mosque’s courtyard is vast and shaded by numerous trees, creating a serene environment. The daily five prayers and the grand Friday prayers are a unique spectacle, drawing large crowds of worshippers and visitors. These unique cultural experiences make Id Kah Mosque an indispensable cultural and historical landmark in Kashgar.
Experience the Soul of Kashgar at Id Kah Mosque
In Kashgar, the Id Kah Mosque is like an old man witnessing centuries of history. It embodies the essence of life in Kashgar. Its gates are always open, welcoming both pilgrims who have traveled thousands of miles and ordinary tourists who come to see its grandeur. Here, you can dance freely in front of the mosque.The sama dance is performed with the utmost passion and exuberance.
The mosque’s plaza is a bustling marketplace where people haggle loudly over prices. It accommodates both wealthy international merchants and humble vendors with just a few coins. Visitors can also lounge in the sun at the mosque’s corners, enjoying the tranquility it offers and sensing the peaceful unity. People basking in the sun on the steps and walls of Id Kah Mosque, creating a unique scene.
Explore the Grand Worship during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
During Eid al-Fitr (肉孜节) and Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节), Id Kah Mosque becomes a sea of worshippers, with thousands, even tens of thousands gathering for the grand prayers. On the morning of Eid al-Adha, all adult men are required to attend the local mosque for the communal prayer. The scene is truly spectacular.
After the prayer, musicians climb to the top of the mosque’s gate, playing the nagara (iron shell drum) and suona (a type of Chinese oboe). The men in the square in front of the mosque then begin to dance the passionate and energetic Sama dance. Carpets are laid end-to-end and worshippers stand shoulder-to-shoulder. Following the imam’s call, they bow and kneel in unison, facing the qibla. As foreheads touch the ground, a profound silence envelops the square, and time seems to stand still.
The Art of Id Kah Mosque Architecture
Id Kah Mosque is an ancient Islamic architectural complex that exudes a strong ethnic and religious character. The architecture is characterized by a gate tower, prayer hall, minaret, courtyard, and ablution rooms, all meticulously designed to reflect the features of piety and simplicity of Muslims. With a total area of 16,800 square meters, the size of the Id Kah Mosque is one of the largest in China.
The interior decoration of Id Kah Mosque is also marvelous. The prayer hall has an inner and outer hall as well as a colonnade. There are 140 intricately carved wooden columns arranged in a grid pattern. These columns here support a ceiling adorned with geometric patterns, showcasing the mosque’s exquisite craftsmanship. Moreover, the design incorporates elements such as the ruyi (auspicious cloud), swastika, and lotus, which are reminiscent of Buddhist art. The rational layout of the Id Kah Mosque is evident from a top view. Each structure is harmoniously integrated into the overall design. The decorations are simple yet elegant, reflecting the humility and stability that define the mosque’s character.
How to Get to Id Kah Mosque
It will be regrettable not to visit the Id Kah Mosqu on a travel to Kashgar. Id Kah Mosqu provides incomparable memory. To get to Id Kah Mosqu from the city center of Kashgar, you can take a taxi or bus, which takes about 15 minutes. You can also walk there in about 30 minutes. If you take the bus, you can board routes 13, 2, 8, or the Tourism Line 1 and Tourism Line 2, and get off at the Id Kah Station. It’s a short walk from there.
Attractions Nearby Id Kah Mosque
- Kashgar Old Town: Located in the city center of Kashgar, the Kashgar Old Town is an important node on the ancient Silk Road.
- The Tomb of Xiang Fei (Fragrant Concubine): Situated in Haohan Village on the eastern outskirts of Kashgar. Rich in Islamic style, it vividly recreates the legendary life of Xiang Fei and the local folklore of Kashgar.
