The Emin Minaret Guide

The Emin Minaret is a well-known travel site in Xinjiang District. It is the largest ancient tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic tower. The minaret, located east of Turpan, was built in 1777 by Emin Khoja, a leader of the Uigurs. The minaret is 44 meters tall and a base of 10 sq meters. The steles placed near the entrance explain the reason for the minaret's construction. The historical background of Emin Minaret is underlined by the architectural significance. The 44-meter (144 feet) high minaret has no stories. From the base with a diameter of 10 meters (32.8 feet), the minaret

tapers to an Islamic dome. In the center of the minaret is a brick-piled pillar with 72 steps around it spiraling to the top. There are 14 openings for ventilation and lighting which are located in different directions and at various heights. On the top, there is an attic of 10 square meters (107 square feet) with large windows on the four sides through which the marvelous landscape could be admired. Unfortunately, tourists today cannot climb to the top due to the protection given to the minaret. However, the unique exterior of the minaret will make up for this lack. The huge column made

of grey bricks and earth would be dull if not for its decorative patterns. Smart Uigur architects used bricks to form 15 different patterns such as waves, flowers. Next to the minaret there is a grand mosque where many people come to worship every Friday. With the local travel guide's help, you could learn a lot about Emin Khoja and this minaret. Here's some guide information in your travel of The Emin Minaret: Address: 2km east of Turpan, Xinjiang Province. Contact number: 0086-991-8491821   Admission Fee: CNY25   Opening Hours: 08:50-20:00

• Xinjiang Museum
• Heavenly Lake
• Tianshan Mountain
• The Khazak Yurts
• The Erdaoqiao Bazaar of Urumqi
• The Southern Pasture
• Abakh Khoja Tomb of Kashgar
• Id Kah Mosque of Kashgar
• Karakuri Lake
• Thousand Buddha Cave
• Flaming Hill
• The Ancient City of Gaochang
• The Karez Well
• The Emin Minaret
• The Grape Valley
• The Astana Tombs
• Tianshui Maijishan
• Kashgar Old Town