subject: Ancient Splendour and Sacred Blessings in China's Tianjin Great Mosque [print this page] Ancient Splendour and Sacred Blessings in China's Tianjin Great Mosque
Situated in the Hongqiao District in modern day Tianjin lays an ancient shrine that has garnered a reputation as one of China's most ancient mosques. Believed to have been constructed in the Qing Dynasty which reigned over China in the period between 1644-1911, the mosque has endured several expansions and refurbishments throughout the ages to reach its current resplendent state. Sprawled across a property of 5,000 square meters the mosque itself occupies 2200 square meters laden with exquisite architectural and interior decorations belonging to the era of its construction.
Attracting nearly a thousand pilgrims from across China each week, the mosque is a sacred place of worship in China for those of the Islamic faith. Divided in to four sections the mosque mainly consists of the Prayer Hall, Screen Wall, Preaching Hall and the Archway. The Prayer Hall is the most hallowed structure of the four and the most frequented as it is composed of the main hall and the rear hall. An ambulatory is located surrounding the structure while the top most floor of the rear hall in the player hall contains five pavilions that are shaped like booths. Other highlights include the over 60 couplets and tablets containing calligraphy that hang over the mosque. Written in both Chinese and Arabic characters the tablets are said to be nearly 300 years old and the work of famed calligraphers of the period. Encompassing a variety of styles and each with a different meaning, the tablets are just one of the mosque's most prized possessions which also include two miniaturized copies of the holy Quran that are no more than half a matchbox in size.
Elaborate decorative brick carvings by renowned artist Ma Shaoging are also found within the mosque as the Hui community's most revered artists' work are displayed on the second north gatehouse. Depicting Tianjin's scenic landscapes and famous landmarks the brick carvings are considered a unique inheritance of this ancient mosque of historic record. Located in the heart of Tianjin's minority Hui community settlements, a trip to the mosque also serves as a fine opportunity for guests to sample local Muslim cuisine, which is full of delectable treats of every conceivable size and flavour.
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