Pishan Grand Mosque in Pishan County, Hotan
Overview
The Pishan Grand Mosque (皮山大清真寺) is located in the northwest corner of Pishan County, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. As the largest mosque in the county, it has a length of 67 meters, a width of 57 meters, and covers an area of 3819 square meters with a building area of 1216 square meters. Originally built in 1839, the mosque is one of the most famous mosques in the Hetian Region and is recognized as a county-level cultural heritage protection unit.
- Chinese Name: 皮山大清真寺
- Location: Northwest corner of Pishan County, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
- Area: 3819 m²
- Building Area: 1216 m²
- Built in: 1839
- Cultural Status: County-level cultural heritage protection unit
History
Early Construction
The Pishan Grand Mosque was initially built in 1839, during the Qing Dynasty. It was founded by Yusup Ahong from Kekterek Township, who gathered funds and resources to construct a “Night Chapel” (守夜堂) covering an area of 180 square meters. This chapel was the predecessor of the mosque and was originally named “Tunaigehana” (吐乃格哈那), meaning “Night Chapel” in the Uyghur language.
Expansion and Naming
In 1865, the mosque’s inner courtyard was officially completed and was named “Meiqichiale Di” (美其持阿勒迪), meaning “Grand Mosque” in Uyghur. Shortly afterward, Tuhuti Yichen from Yecheng led his followers to Pishan and renamed the mosque to “Hani Ka” (哈尼喀), which means “Lecture Hall” in Uyghur. This name has been used ever since.
Later Modifications
In 1944, Ailaiti and Jiamadire Ailimu (prominent religious figures) led the construction of the mosque’s dome and front corridor, using timber from Wahafdi. The dome-shaped “Ula Ji” (乌拉吉) corridor was completed, adding an area of 94 square meters to the mosque.
In 1981, Muslim community members initiated further expansion, completing the outer courtyard with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The mosque’s design was grand and elegant, making it the largest place of religious activities in the county. It was also designated as a county-level cultural heritage site.
Scale and Layout
The Pishan Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Pishan County and one of the most significant mosques in the Hetian region. It covers an area of 3819 square meters, with a building area of 1216 square meters. The mosque’s actual usable area is 2560 square meters, and it can accommodate over 5000 people during prayers and religious gatherings.
The mosque consists of several parts, including a prayer hall, inner and outer courtyards, and surrounding corridors. It is a beautiful and culturally significant building with traditional Uyghur design and features, making it an important religious and cultural landmark in the area.
Architectural Features
Uyghur Architectural Style
The mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions, and its architecture now consists of three main parts: the prayer hall, the inner courtyard, and the outer courtyard. The structure is both magnificent and showcases typical Uyghur ethnic style, blending cultural richness with Islamic architecture.
- The Prayer Hall: The central part of the mosque, where daily prayers and religious ceremonies take place.
- The Courtyards: The mosque includes both inner and outer courtyards, offering space for gatherings, cultural activities, and religious ceremonies.
Decorative Elements
The mosque is adorned with fine craftsmanship, including intricate brickwork, wooden carvings, and stunning tile mosaics, demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of the Uyghur community. The use of local materials and traditional building techniques has ensured that the mosque’s beauty and grandeur have been preserved over time.
Notable Structures
Some of the mosque’s most notable architectural features include:
- Ancient Trees: Four ancient elm trees stand in front of the prayer hall, adding a sense of history and serenity to the area.
- Side Gates and Rooms: On the north and south sides of the mosque, there are side gates and nine rooms, with roof eaves supported by small prismatic columns, forming a peripheral corridor.
Main Buildings
Inner Courtyard
The inner courtyard of the mosque is surrounded by a brick wall platform and includes several significant buildings:
- Prayer Hall: The central prayer space for the mosque, where worshippers gather for prayers and religious activities.
- Night Chapel (守夜堂): The original chapel from which the mosque developed.
- Yishak Memorial Pavilion (依沙克外办拉纪念阁): A memorial building that adds to the historical and cultural significance of the mosque.
The mosque also includes side rooms and a peripheral corridor supported by small columns. These architectural elements form a unique Uyghur-style layout.
Geography and Transportation
Location
The Pishan Grand Mosque is located in the northwest corner of Pishan County, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Pishan is a part of the Hetian prefecture, which is located in southern Xinjiang, near the Tian Shan Mountains.
Transportation Tips:
- By Public Transport:
- Bus: Pishan has a well-connected public transport network. Visitors can take a bus to the Pishan County area and get off near the mosque.
- Local Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Pishan City. The mosque is well-known, so visitors can easily tell the driver to take them to Pishan Grand Mosque (皮山大清真寺).
- By Private Car: If traveling by private car, GPS navigation or local maps will help guide you to the mosque. The mosque is located in a prominent area of Pishan, making it easy to find.
Travel Tips:
- Respect the Local Customs: As with any religious site, visitors should dress modestly when visiting the mosque. Women should cover their heads and wear long sleeves and skirts. Men should avoid wearing shorts.
- Prayer Times: The mosque conducts five daily prayers and hosts special events during Ramadan and Eid. Visitors interested in attending prayers should check the prayer schedule in advance.
- Cultural Insight: Visitors are encouraged to learn about Uyghur culture, Islamic history, and the local community during their visit. The mosque is an important site for the study of both religion and local traditions.
The Pishan Grand Mosque is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Xinjiang, offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Uyghur architecture and the rich history of Islamic culture in the region. With its stunning design, historical importance, and vibrant community, it stands as a central point for religious practice, cultural exchange, and spiritual reflection.
For travelers, scholars, and those interested in Uyghur culture, the Pishan Grand Mosque is an essential destination offering insight into the region’s religious and cultural heritage.
