The Xian Great Mosque is located in the Muslim Quarter which is one of the most historic areas of the city of Xian. Within this quarter, visitors will find that the majority of the inhabitants are Hui (Chinese Muslims) many of whom stay inside the area choosing to be born, live and die without seeing any other section of the city.
The history surrounding The Muslim Quarter is a colorful and interesting tale. It is recorded by way of Imperial Records that Chinese Muslims (also known as Hui) have been settled in this area as far back as 732 A. D, around the time that The Xian Great Mosque was being erected. Once the city had established trade links with other Central Asian civilizations, this meant that people from other areas of the continent could come and go to Xian via the area known as the Silk Road.
As time passed, The Xian Great Mosque became more established with more and more people opting to remain in this part of the city. Many foreigners who held the same beliefs and traditions as the Muslims who already occupied the quarter felt that they had something in common and remained in the quarter. Indeed, it is assumed that many of the people who live in this part of Xian today are descended from peoples who have Middle Eastern origins, most likely traders who traveled down from the Silk Road.
Visitors to the city will find The Xian Great Mosque is located in the heart of the city, just behind the Drum Tower. It is easy to tell when you have reached the area as the clothing, smells and language are different to the other areas that can be visited in Xian. Here visitors will find a range of shops, markets, stalls and restaurants that are unique to the quarter.
When on a trip to the quarter it is most likely that you will want to see one of the grandest and oldest Muslim buildings to be found in China, The Xian Great Mosque. Originally started in around 732 A. D. Most of the buildings that can be seen nowadays were constructed during the 13th century. This mosque is unlike any other due to the fact that its architecture is mainly of a Chinese style.
Visitors to the Xian Great Mosque will find that there are indications of Islam and Arabic influence in the architecture by way of some of the decoration. These influences help to identify the mosque as a Muslim building and one of importance at that. There are several courtyards, the main building itself and several smaller buildings that form this great attraction. Visitors should note that some areas are restricted as they are still in use by the Muslim’s inhabiting the quarter today.
Since it was originally settled over 1,200 years ago, life in the Muslim quarter of Xian has not changed much, if at all. The community is very close-knit and many of the residents have ancestors who lived in the quarter previously, some as much as 40 generations ago.
Indeed, the way of life in the area today is much the same as it was for the previous 40 generations living there. This gives visitors a unique insight into everyday living of this civilization. The days are spent in the quarter preparing food, cleaning the streets and the markets as well as catching up on the gossip over s steaming pot of tea.
The Xian Muslim Quarter is a very popular area to visit whilst on a trip to the city. Many travelers are drawn to this area thanks to its wonderful Xian Great Mosque, exquisite restaurants and friendly people. The shopping experience here is unlike anything else to be found in the city of Xian.
The writer is owner of of The Apartment Guesthouse which is located just a stone’s throw from Xian Great Mosque which is the perfect alternative to a Xian Hotel This and other unique content ” articles are available with free reprint rights.
