Beijing, January 28, AZERTAC

Considered one of the oldest trade routes, the Silk Road played a vital role not only in facilitating trade between the East and the West, but also in promoting cultural exchange. This exchange significantly impacted the economic and cultural development of countries and cities along the ancient route. One of these cities is Kashgar, often referred to as the Heart of the ancient Silk Road.

Located in far western China in the Uyghur Region of Xinjiang, and situated at the western end of the Tarim Basin, Kashgar has been an important stop along the Silk Road for over 2,000 years. Historically part of various states, Kashgar has developed a unique and distinct cultural heritage.

Dating back to its historical roots on the Ancient Silk Road, the city offers a rich blend of traditions and is known for its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, cultural richness, and traditional architecture. Kashgar is one of the rare settlements that has embraced a variety of religions, languages, and cultures. The people of the region practiced Zoroastrianism and Buddhism before the arrival of Islam. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, the mythical city of Kashgar was once the capital of many Uyghur kingdoms, most notably the Karakhanid dynasty. The city is mentioned in ancient Persian, Greek, Chinese, Indian, and Arabic sources. In 1986, the Chinese government designated Kashgar a "city of historical and cultural significance."

Currently, the second-largest city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region after the capital Urumqi, Kashgar is home to the Turkic-speaking Muslim Uyghur minority. In addition to the Uyghurs, the city is home to Han (Chinese), Hui (Muslim Chinese), Uzbeks, Tajiks, and other ethnic groups.

Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Kashgar, the Kashgar Bazaar stands as a vibrant testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and long-standing trading traditions. Many craft shops are found in the historic part of Kashgar, which has been upgraded to a national 5A-level scenic spot, the highest standard for tourist attractions in China. Handicrafts and traditional costumes are sold here. Although the bazaar operates daily, it is especially bustling on Sundays and holidays. Over the years, the bazaar has flourished and expanded, attracting a more extensive range of merchants, buyers, and tourists. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, local food products, and traditional costumes reflecting the region's cultural heritage, while also enjoying local cuisine and listening to national music in the restaurants and teahouses designed in traditional style along the streets. Kashgar's cuisine, particularly Uyghur pilaf, chop kebab, samsa, and bozartmas, is a must-try. Sellers in the Kashgar market are fair, and bargaining is common.

Residents from surrounding settlements bring their homegrown fruits and vegetables, spices, and useful plants to sell in the market. The neighborhoods, connected to the main street of the historical part of the city, feature narrow streets and traditional oriental-style houses.

Kashgar is also home to several historic mosques, including the famous Id Kah Mosque, meaning "Festival Square Mosque" in Uyghur. This mosque is one of Kashgar's landmarks and remains the largest mosque in both Xinjiang and China, constructed in 1442. It is a sacred site for Muslims and showcases Islamic religious culture through a blend of distinctive Islamic architecture and Chinese traditional building styles. The mosque, covering an area of 16,800 square meters, can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers.

Abbas Mahammad, the imam of the Id Kah Mosque, told AZERTAC: "Our mosque provides all necessary conditions for worship. Those who come to the mosque to pray spend time here after each prayer, interacting with each other."

Shahin Jafarov

Special correspondent