Id Kah Mosque

The Id Kah Mosque is located in the center of the Kashgar Ancient City and is one of the largest mosques. There are many magnificent and Islamic-style buildings in the mosque, which you can visit one by one.

Highlights of Id Kah Mosque

The Id Kah Mosque is mainly composed of a gate tower, the main prayer hall, the call-to-prayer attic, a courtyard, ablution rooms and other auxiliary rooms. It covers a total area of 16,800 square meters. The mosque features exquisite and magnificent architectural designs.

The Gate

The Gate

Right outside the main entrance on the east side of the mosque lies the vast Id Kah Square, a landmark of Kashgar. On ordinary days, many people come here to relax and play.

To the west of the square is the east gate of the mosque, namely the main gate tower of the Id Kah Mosque. The main gate is a yellow building, flanked by two minarets with soft and serene arc-shaped designs. Hanging on the gate is a huge plaque inscribed with the Arabic Shahada. The yellow archways and the 12-meter-high dome embody the aesthetics of Islamic architecture. Here, one can feel a strong religious atmosphere and admire the exquisite Arabic Quranic carvings, which attract many tourists to take photos.

The Prayer Hall

Inner Hall

The prayer hall consists of an inner hall, an outer hall and a long corridor. There are 140 carved wooden pillars in the inner and outer halls, arranged in a network pattern. The entire mosque has a reasonable layout, exquisite architectural craftsmanship, simple and elegant decorations, and a unique style.

Behind the main gate is a huge courtyard. Along the north and south walls of the courtyard, there are 36 scripture-teaching rooms in total (with a row on each side), which are used by imams for preaching. The place for worship is located on a high platform in the west of the mosque, consisting of an inner hall and an outer hall. Its roof is supported by 158 light blue pillars arranged in a grid pattern. The ceiling and the four corners of the wooden pillars are adorned with exquisite wood carvings and painted caisson patterns. In the center of the main hall, there is a niche on the wall, inside which stands a sedan-style throne.

Educational Value

The architecture of the Id Kah Mosque integrates Central Asian and West Asian Islamic architectural styles with traditional architectural elements of the Central Plains, while retaining the courtyard layout characteristics of Uyghur dwellings. This feature of multi-cultural integration provides physical evidence for studying the exchange of architectural cultures and the integration of ethnic arts along the ancient Silk Road.

Activities to do at Id Kah Mosque

Admiring Architecture: Visit the mosque's gate and prayer hall to appreciate the architectural style that combines Central Asian and Uyghur traditions, including decorative arts such as wood carvings, gypsum carvings, and painted decorations, and feel the craftsmanship achievements of ancient artisans.

Cultural Learning: Through scenic spot guides or information introductions, learn about the historical changes of the mosque since its construction in the 15th century, as well as its status in the religious, social, and cultural aspects of Kashgar, and understand its significance as a "cultural landmark on the Silk Road".

Note:

You need to dress neatly when entering the scenic area. Men should avoid wearing vests and shorts, and women should avoid wearing revealing clothes. It is recommended to bring a shawl or coat in case of need. Smoking, eating, drinking, and making loud noises are prohibited in the mosque. Non-halal food and pets are not allowed to enter. Do not discuss topics involving religious disputes, and do not commit any acts that offend the beliefs of believers.