Location: Near the Drum Tower on 30 Huajue Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China (34.2633° N, 108.9364° E)
Sacred to: Islam
Why: The mosque is considered to be sacred not only because it is a place of worship, but also because it is one of the oldest and well-kept mosques in China.
Sacred to: Islam
Why: The mosque is considered to be sacred not only because it is a place of worship, but also because it is one of the oldest and well-kept mosques in China.
This mosque is considered to be sacred because it is the oldest mosque in China (that is still standing and not rebuilt), being founded in 742 during the Tang Dynasty. However, it was during the Ming dynasty that the majority of the mosque seen today was constructed. It also further expanded during the Qing Dynasty. The mosque has been very well kept over the years with renovations happening whenever needed. Chinese Muslims have used this mosque as a place of worship from the time it was founded up until now. Today The Great Mosque serves as a both a popular tourist attraction and place of worship. One defining characteristic about this particular mosque is it’s complete unlikeness to most mosques in the Middle East of Arab countries. Apart from some Arabic lettering and decorations, it is entirely Chinese in architectural style and construction. It does not have any domes or traditional-style minarets. The main structures all resemble traditional Chinese temples and pagodas. Without prior knowledge about the place being a mosque, one would probably think it would be another Chinese temple and garden.