Xi’an is one of the most emblematic Chinese cities in Asia. A city with a thousand-year-old history and cultural treasures of inestimable value. But Xi’an is also one of the gateways to Central Asia. Central Asia is also the beginning of the Muslim world. And the city of Xi’an is like a link between Chinese culture and Central Asian culture. It is therefore quite natural to find a Muslim neighborhood and population in Xi’an.
The shops and the food market of the Muslim quarter of Xi’an
To discover the Muslim quarter of Xi’an, you have to go to the heart of the city. The bell tower is a building in the very center of the town. The Muslim quarter is right next door, and the entrance is just past the Drum Tower.
The history of Islam in China dates back to the Tang Dynasty, i.e. to the eighth century AD. At that time, the country was trading with Arab traders who over time, introduced the religion into the country. To manage their business, some Arab merchants settled in the country and married Chinese women. Thus little by little, the Muslim faith became intertwined with Taoism and Buddhism.
Islam in China is therefore very old, and this certainly explains the presence of more than 23 million Muslims. Some estimates suggest that there are more than 50 million or even 80 million Muslims.
This trip to Xi’an is, therefore, an opportunity to highlight a religious minority in a multifaceted country. Indeed, China has many religions on its soil and an even more significant number of ethnic groups. The result is a diversity of languages and cultures that live in harmony over an immense territory. China is indeed one of the largest countries in the world.
The history of Islam in China
The arrival of Islam in China came from the East with the arrival of the Uighurs. They had been chased out of Central Asia in the 8th century by the Kyrgyz, a Turkic-speaking ethnic group. In 760 there were about 4000 Muslim families in Xi’an. Then much later the Kazakhs (around the 13th and 14th centuries) and other Kyrgyz (around the 10th century) reached eastern China. There are about ten Muslim language groups spread over the whole of China.
The other arrival of Islam in China was by sea. Since the year 500, maritime trade lines have existed, and Arab merchants have settled in Chinese ports to manage their business. Little by little, they will reach the interior of the country.
In the 17th century, Muslims arrived again from the north of China with the Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan.
The Muslim Hue district of Xi’an is the result of a mixture of cultures that has lasted for more than 1400 years.
The Great Mosque of Xi’an
The history of the Great Mosque of Xi’an begins around the middle of the 8th century. It all started in 742 with the inauguration of a religious monument that was to be remodeled continuously over the centuries. This is why the mosque of Xi’an has such a particular style. The Great Mosque of Xi’an is, therefore, one of the oldest mosques in the world.
The Great Mosque of Xi’an covers an area of more than 6000 square meters. Architecturally, the complex is characterized by a mixture of two styles. On the one hand, there is the Islamic architectural style, and on the other hand, the Chinese architectural style. The numerous pavilions present on the territory of the Mosque bear witness to the Chinese influence. The four square courtyards and the nine-meter-high arch are elements borrowed from Chinese architecture.
The Great Mosque of Xi’an has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Because of its historical and architectural interest, the Xi’an Mosque is the only mosque in the country that is allowed public access.
Address of Xi’an Mosque: 30 Huaje Alley, Xi’an
In the streets of the Muslim quarter of Xi’an
This neighbourhood looks a bit like the Medinas found in the cities of the Middle East. Incredible alleyways with a thousand shops. Visiting this exotic neighbourhood is therefore really one of the things to do in Xi’an.
photo credits : Yann Vernerie