| 
|
Located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast
of the city of Kashgar, it served as the family tomb of Abakh Khoja, the
powerful ruler of Kashgar in the 17th century who was revered as a prophet
and second only to Mohammed. First built in 1640, all five generations
of the family are buried within. There were 72 tombs until an earthquake
destroyed some. The first generation buried here was Yusuf Hoja, a celebrated
Islam missionary. After he died, his eldest son Apak Hoja died in 1693,
buried here and his reputation was greater than his father's, so the tomb
was renamed "Abakh Khoja Tomb".
The different buildings include Tomb Hall, Doctrine-Teaching Hall and
Great Hall of Prayer. The Tomb Hall, with a 17-meter- (55.8-foot) diameter
dome is covered with glazed green tiles. Inside the hall, tombs decorated
with beautiful flower patterns on a white background, glittering, simple
and elegant are settled on a high terrace. The legend goes that among
those, a tomb known as the Xiang Fei (Fragrant Concubine) Tomb is in memory
of Abakh Khoja's grand-daughter, Iparhan. She was the Fragrant Concubine
of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing period and was called Xiangfei because
of the delicate fragrance sent forth by her body. Upon her death 120 people
spent three years carrying her coffin back to Kashgar and buried here.
The Great Hall of Prayer in the west part of the tomb (Ayitijiayi) is
the place where the Muslim believers conduct service on big days. The
Lesser Hall of Prayer and the gate tower are outmost buildings decorated
with colorful paintings and elegant brick carvings.
It is the holiest place in Xinjiang and an architectural treasure. During
the Korban Festival, many Muslims form all over Xinjiang make the pilgrimage
to the tomb. The tomb, about 3 kilometers east of the city, is easily
accessible by horse cart or bicycle.
Admission Fee: RMB 20
Opening Hours 08:50 to 20:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
|
|
