As the Eastern terminus of the Silk Route where traders exchanged not only prized goods but also ideas and lifestyles, it's not surprising that Xi'an has such a large Muslim population. However, it's Muslim quarter looks like any other Chinese street except for the slender curves of Arabic script inscribed on wooden boards above establishments and the familiar kufi and tudung. (It's also no surprise that pork is off the menu.)
The Great Mosque could easily be mistaken for a Buddhist or Taoist monastery. It's grounds sport Chinese architecture. An octagonal pagoda serves as a minaret and a phoenix-shaped pavilion stands before the prayer hall. Only small Islamic influences betray its real function such as Arabic script carved into archways and doorheads as well as inscribed on stelae. Some doorways are dome-shaped whilst the interior design of the prayer hall is clearly Muslim with its prayer mates lined up for them to pray together with their brethren.
The Great Mosque could easily be mistaken for a Buddhist or Taoist monastery. It's grounds sport Chinese architecture. An octagonal pagoda serves as a minaret and a phoenix-shaped pavilion stands before the prayer hall. Only small Islamic influences betray its real function such as Arabic script carved into archways and doorheads as well as inscribed on stelae. Some doorways are dome-shaped whilst the interior design of the prayer hall is clearly Muslim with its prayer mates lined up for them to pray together with their brethren.
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