Laohua Mosque in Linxia

The Laohua Mosque临夏市老华清真寺  (also known as Dahua Mosque) is located on Huasi Street in Linxia City, Gansu Province. It is one of China’s significant Islamic mosques with a history spanning over 600 years, first constructed in 1368 during the Ming Dynasty. The mosque has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, with its most notable one being in 1775 during the Qing Dynasty.

Historical Development

Destruction and Rebuilding

• 1928: The mosque was burned down by Zhao Xipin’s Nationalist army.
• 1930: Ma Hongkui funded the mosque’s reconstruction, adopting a pavilion-style architectural design. The complex featured multiple courtyards with intricate brick and wood carvings and a scenic arched bridge known as the “Water Pavilion.”
• 1968: The mosque was dismantled during the Cultural Revolution.
• 1981-1982: The mosque was rebuilt through local Muslim contributions, with the main prayer hall completed in 1982.
• 2004: Due to space limitations, the mosque underwent another significant expansion, increasing its area to 2,000 square meters with a building area of 6,000 square meters. The prayer hall now covers 5,500 square meters, and the mosque stands 48.8 meters tall with a capacity of 5,000 worshippers.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Name and Symbolism

The mosque was originally named Huasi (Flower Mosque) after a Muslim donor who contributed their garden for the mosque’s expansion in 1775. It was later renamed Laohua Mosque, symbolizing its representation of Islam in China. The mosque has played a crucial role in the integration of Islamic and Chinese culture and has been home to many renowned Islamic scholars.

Architectural Features

Design and Structure

• Seismic Design: The mosque is built with a seven-level seismic resistance design and is precisely aligned for prayer direction (Qibla).
• Main Hall: The main prayer hall stands 42 meters tall, with four floors. The first floor houses the women’s prayer hall and classrooms, while the upper three floors serve as the men’s prayer hall, capable of accommodating 5,000 worshippers.
• Dome and Columns: A giant central dome allows natural ventilation and lighting, while 36 granite columns, each 18 meters high, surround the hall. The dome structure, combined with the spacious prayer areas, creates a grand and airy atmosphere.

Decorative Elements

• Marble Balustrades: The surrounding corridors are lined with white marble balustrades featuring intricate carvings.
• Roof Design: The mosque’s roof is adorned with five green domes, one large central dome and four smaller ones, resembling the design of the Medina Mosque.
• Flooring and Lighting: The prayer hall’s floor is laid with polished bamboo, giving it a reflective, mirror-like finish. The entire hall is illuminated by ornate chandeliers and lit with bright Islamic-themed lights, creating a stunning ambiance.

Cultural Heritage and Education

Notable Scholars

The mosque has produced many influential Islamic scholars throughout its history, including Ma Laichi, a famous Islamic scholar from the Qing Dynasty. Modern scholars such as Zhou Wenkui, Han Zhenxu, and Ma Zhen have also contributed significantly to Islamic education and religious leadership.

Educational Role

The Laohua Mosque places equal emphasis on both Islamic religious education and modern scientific knowledge. It offers courses in Arabic, Persian, and Chinese, helping cultivate well-rounded individuals. The mosque also sponsors a community-run kindergarten on Huasi Street and provides adult literacy programs for local residents.

Community and Social Functions

The Laohua Mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a community center that fosters peace, unity, and charity. It organizes important community events, such as weddings and funerals, and provides social services, including poverty alleviation and dispute resolution. The mosque has also contributed significantly to fostering unity among different ethnic and religious groups.

Modern Role and Achievements

The mosque aligns itself with the values of Islam while adapting to socialist society principles. It encourages the local Muslim community to continue their tradition of business acumen and promotes public welfare. The mosque is also known for its role in enhancing cooperation among different Muslim sects and fostering friendly relations with non-Muslim communities.

In 2006, the Laohua Mosque was recognized as a “Five-Star Mosque” by the Gansu Provincial Islamic Association and the Linxia Ethnic Creation Office, reflecting its outstanding contributions to community unity and religious harmony.

The Laohua Mosque continues to be an architectural marvel and a center of religious, cultural, and community life in Linxia, standing as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Islam in China.