Emin
Minaret is located 2 kilometers east of Turpan, and near the ancient Uygur
capital of Gaochang and the cave temples of Bezeklik along the ancient
Silk Road. It is the largest ancient tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic
tower among the hundred famous towers in China.
In 1777, the Minaret was built to commemorate the heroic Turpan general,
Emin Khoja, who was the main leader of Turpan and titled by Emperor Qianlong
of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) for his patriotic loyalty.
The tapering shape minaret is 44-meter high with the base of 10-meter
in diameter and a small Islamic dome at the top. It has no stories but
the waves, flowers, rhombuses etc.. 15 different patterns which made of
bricks are on the surface of the minaret, which made it looks pristine
but dignified. There are two steles at the entrance to the minaret, the
one in Chinese inscription explains the purpose of building the minaret,
while the other in the Uigur inscription gave thanks to Allah. A brick-piled
pillar with 72 steps spiraling to the top is in the center of the minaret.
14 openings for ventilation and lighting are in different directions and
heights.
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