Silk Road - 24 May 2009 - Eid Gah Mosque in Kashgar, China

We had breakfast at the civilized hour of 8:30. I actually got a scrambled egg! Most of the items they had are just things I am not used to. I wish that they had larger coffee cups.

We headed off to see the interior of the Eid Gah Mosque, which is the oldest and biggest mosque in China. It was originally built by a wealthy business woman who became ill and couldn’t go to Mecca. It has been rebuilt several times; the latest in 1820 by a group of wealthy citizens. China which is still officially a communist country does not permit religious education for anyone under 18 nor may anyone under 18 attend a religious service. The Eid Gah Mosque is not a single building but a complex. The exterior is decorated but the interior is very plain. The walls are white washed. There is a carpet that was given to the mosque by Iran. It was originally on the floor in front of where the imam is located, but since it tore, they have it hanging on the wall. I observed that they dig a channel about a foot or so below ground level and plant around it. The channel is for water.

Eid Gah Mosque
Eid Gah Mosque Description
Where Muza's words are repeated for people outside the building
Window of Eid Gah Mosque
Ceiling over porch of Eid Gah Mosque
How Trees are watered
Flower Garden in Eid Gah Mosque