Among Uygur nationality architecture,
Islamic architectural achievements are the greatest. Islam originated in
Arabia in the 7th century and
was gradually introduced into China's Xinjiang during the 10th century (Ming Dynasty) and became popular
with the Uygurs. The molding style Uygur Islamic architecture Salat monastery is
quite different from Han structures.
The layout of a Salat monastery is free,
only requiring that the Salat half must be sited in the west and face east.
Believers, while praying before the holy niche on the wail at the back of the
Salat hall, also face Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.
Keshen, a large city in the westernmost part
of China, is the first place to
accept Islam. Eidkah Mosque within the city was built about 500 years ago, but
the existing appearance of the mosque was formed in the latter half of the
19th century. Eidkah Mosque is China's largest Islamic Salat mosque.
Eidkah Mosque has its front gate open to the
southeast corner. The arch over the gateway is laid up with bricks, the front
wall is of a vertical rectangular shape, and the middle is a large pointed arch
niche. On the left and right sides of the arch, the courtyard wall is connected
to two minarets, on top of which is a small pavilion with a dome. The left
courtyard wall is very short, with a fairly sturdy minaret; the right wall is
rather long, with a fine, small minaret. A disproportionate balanced composition
is thus achieved. On the surface of the courtyard wall there are also pointed
arch shallow niches. On the elevation, the constant appearance of many pointed
arches and arch tops of various sizes emphasize the unity of molding techniques.