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Abakh Khoja Tomb
Located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast
of the city of Kashgar, it served as the family tomb of Abakh
Khoja, the powerful ruler of Kashgar in the 17th century who
was revered as a prophet and second only to Mohammed. First
built in 1640, all five generations of the family are buried
within. There were 72 tombs until an earthquake destroyed
some. The first generation buried here was Yusuf Hoja, a celebrated
Islam missionary. After he died, his eldest son Apak Hoja
died in 1693, buried here and his reputation was greater than
his father's, so the tomb was renamed "Abakh Khoja Tomb".
The different buildings include Tomb Hall,
Doctrine-Teaching Hall and Great Hall of Prayer. The Tomb
Hall, with a 17-meter- (55.8-foot) diameter dome is covered
with glazed green tiles. Inside the hall, tombs decorated
with beautiful flower patterns on a white background, glittering,
simple and elegant are settled on a high terrace. The legend
goes that among those, a tomb known as the Xiang Fei (Fragrant
Concubine) Tomb is in memory of Abakh Khoja's grand-daughter,
Iparhan. She was the Fragrant Concubine of Emperor Qianlong
of the Qing period and was called Xiangfei because of the
delicate fragrance sent forth by her body. Upon her death
120 people
spent three years carrying her coffin back to Kashgar and
buried here.
The Great Hall of Prayer in the west part
of the tomb (Ayitijiayi) is the place where the Muslim believers
conduct service on big days. The Lesser Hall of Prayer and
the gate tower are outmost buildings decorated with colorful
paintings and elegant brick carvings.
It is the holiest place in Xinjiang and
an architectural treasure. During the Korban Festival, many
Muslims form all over Xinjiang make the pilgrimage to the
tomb. The tomb, about 3 kilometers east of the city, is
easily accessible by horse cart or bicycle.
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