Like most Uygur people in Kashgar, 33-year-old businessman Kasim Abduhawer is a devout Muslim who adheres strictly to the regimen of five daily prayers. And like many others in the city, he goes to pray at the Id Kah mosque at least once a day, although there are more than 800 mosques in Kashgar, and Id Kah is not the closest to his home.
"I like the atmosphere in the mosque, and I like to listen to the knowledgeable imams there. It's an important part of my life," he says.On the two Islamic festivals, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Kasim has to get up when it is still dark to secure a place in the mosque. Sometimes, when he runs late, he has to make do with praying in the square outside.
According to the Islamic Association of Kashgar City, during festivals the numbers at these congregational prayers can easily reach 40,000 to 50,000. Although Id Kah is one of the biggest mosques in China, it can only accommodate a small section of such gatherings.
When the Jum'ah, or Friday prayer, is held, an average of 10,000 people come to Id Kah mosque, and many are forced to pray in the streets outside. Shops in the area are usually closed, with their owners also attending the prayers.
"At Id Kah mosque, many of those who offer prayers come from nearby counties. They may be visiting the bazaar in Kashgar and just stop by to pray at the mosque. We also see some foreigners here, such as those from Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan," says Mirkamil Mamat, a mosque worker.
"I like the atmosphere in the mosque, and I like to listen to the knowledgeable imams there. It's an important part of my life," he says.On the two Islamic festivals, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Kasim has to get up when it is still dark to secure a place in the mosque. Sometimes, when he runs late, he has to make do with praying in the square outside.
According to the Islamic Association of Kashgar City, during festivals the numbers at these congregational prayers can easily reach 40,000 to 50,000. Although Id Kah is one of the biggest mosques in China, it can only accommodate a small section of such gatherings.
When the Jum'ah, or Friday prayer, is held, an average of 10,000 people come to Id Kah mosque, and many are forced to pray in the streets outside. Shops in the area are usually closed, with their owners also attending the prayers.
"At Id Kah mosque, many of those who offer prayers come from nearby counties. They may be visiting the bazaar in Kashgar and just stop by to pray at the mosque. We also see some foreigners here, such as those from Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan," says Mirkamil Mamat, a mosque worker.
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