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Kashgar Abakh Khoja
Tomb |
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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. |
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