Old Town of Kashgar

Old Town of Kashgar

    Kashgar Old Town is an old-aged site with more than 2000 years. It is situated in the center of Kashgar city in Xinjiang, China. With the square kilometers of 4.25, the population of the old town is 126,800, all of whom are Muslims. Kashgar Old Town is the only town with Islamic character and in maze-design.

    It was said that Banchao, Eastern Han’s envoy to the Western Region once stayed here on his way. It was a summer palace during the Kalahan Dynasty. Today the historic district Kashgar Old Town covers about 4.25 square kilometers, taking up 12 percent of the city’s area, and is inhabited by more than 30 percent of its population. People in the old town still scrupulously abide by the traditional custom and the old houses. You could never find a place like this at anywhere of the world. Kashgar old town contains a large group of Uygur residential houses. The residential area has a long history and most of ancient houses have existed for a few centuries. Most homes are handed down from generation to generation for over 300 to 400 years. The structure roof, walls, doors, windows and colors remain unchanged for centuries.

    Kashgar’s Old City has been called "the best-preserved example of a traditional Islamic city to be found anywhere in Central Asia", although the city is becoming more developed. Influenced both by Eastern and Western cultures, the architecture of the Kashgar Old Town displays the charm of Central and Western Asia as well as elements of ancient Roman. The streets and houses are so complicated that it is said to be very difficult to find your way out once you enter this area. The town is located at a precipitous position with mud-thatched buildings densely built one atop another. Numerous small lanes crisscross the town and reach every corner of it. Each house has a courtyard, some big and some small, the size of which is due to the terrain. Similarly, all the yards grow the Muslim-favored trees and flowers, such as mulberry, figs, megranate, which constitutes a charming scene.