Guilin’s religious tapestry is rich. Islam is one of its threads. The Guilin Islamic Mosque stands as a testament to this history. It marks centuries of Muslim presence in this beautiful city.
Islam arrived in Guilin during the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties. The Guilin Islamic Mosque was built then. This makes it one of the earliest mosques in the region. As the Muslim population grew during the Ming Dynasty, their activities increased.
Let’s step inside the Guilin Islamic Mosque. The address is No.28, Minzu Raod, Guilin City.
Several mosques grace Guilin’s landscape. There’s the Guilin Maping Mosque. It first rose during the Qing Dynasty, specifically in the tenth year of Kangxi’s reign. Originally quadrilateral, it expanded. Now, it accommodates up to 500 worshippers.
Another significant mosque is the Chongshan Street Mosque. The Chongshan Street Mosque is the largest in Guilin. Constructed in 1735 during the Qing Dynasty, it saw expansion in 1849. Renovations occurred during the Daoguang Emperor’s rule and the Republic of China era.
The Chongshan Street Mosque spans 2,000 square meters. It blends Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Inside, you’ll find a main prayer hall. A lecture hall and an ablution room also exist. Twenty-four red pillars encircle the main prayer hall. This adds to its solemn atmosphere. The prayer hall boasts twelve red wooden pillars. An octagonal dome crowns the space. Reliefs of the Quran adorn the walls.
In 1982, the President of Pakistan visited the Chongshan Street Mosque. He performed Jumah prayer there. He gifted the mosque a full set of Koran cassettes and recorders. He even planted four trees by the gate. This symbolized the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan.
The Guilin Ancient Mosque also has a rich past. It was first erected during the Yuan Dynasty. Rebuilt many times after war destruction, it now covers 984 square meters. The temple features a quadrangle courtyard. A bunker building stands at its center. Teaching rooms flank it. The main hall is behind the bunker building. This mosque served as a school.
The Guilin Xixiang Masque also called Northeast Masque. It was built in 1907. The Guilin Liutang Mosque was first built in the Kangxi Period. It showcases typical Qing Dynasty architecture. The Guilin Luojin Mosque was built in 1850.
The Guilin Islamic Mosque and its sister mosques stand as cultural bridges. They connect Guilin to the wider world. They showcase the blending of cultures and faiths. Take a moment to appreciate the history.