LARGE MOSQUE

One of the finest examples of the Sino-Arab architecture really deserves a visit, if only to see this fruit of an astonishing blend between two cultures. It is located on Xi Dajie Street (ا大س), in a neighborhood where the majority of the present-day minority families reside. Currently, some 100,000 faithful practice their worship at the Great Mosque of Xi 'an. It is one of the four great mosques in China.

History. It was built in 742 by Emperor Xuan Zong during the Tang dynasty, when China hosted many foreign cults and cultures. Its many wooden buildings are distinguished by style, a mixture of traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. Traditional elements such as the minaret, prayers room and mihrab that indicate Mecca's direction are Muslim. On the other hand, roofs, arches and flags are Chinese-style (imposed by Chinese authorities).

Visit. A small portal almost anonymous gives access to the peaceful gardens surrounding the Great Mosque. In the entrance pavilion are antique stains bearing inscriptions engraved in Arabic. On the right was an ancient imperial altar (so that the faithful can pay tribute to the emperor before going to pray towards Mecca). The prayers room, located at the bottom of the courtyard, which can contain 1,000 people, is preceded by an important five-passage portico. Looking at the prospect of the roof of the Phoenix pavilion in the central courtyard, it actually looks like a bird that deploys its wings to take its flight.