The Grand Mosque of Xi’an.

This time, we travel to the west of China- a wonderful, enchanting city, known as Xi’an.
A city of hidden treasures and hospitable folk.
Where China met the world, the world met China.
The beginning of the silk road. And this, a snapshot, a glimpse if you will, into the times of old. The Grand Mosque of Xi’an. The largest Mosque in all of the 9,596,961 sq. km that is China. The biggest, and one of the oldest Mosques of the ancient and modern worlds.
A marriage of oriental and Middle Eastern- Orientalism.

1]

After losing yourself in the vast gardens of the 5 courtyards, you’d find yourself gazing up at the archway of the last courtyard, where the main entrance to the prayer hall is located. On the arch, chiseled in stone reads “O children of Adam, take your adornment at every mosque, [and eat and drink, but be not excessive]” which is a verse from the Holy Quraan.

2]

The mosque building. This is the main prayer hall, and the inside is off limits to tourists. Above the door reads “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful” in Chinese-styled Arabic calligraphy.

3]

The ablution and toilet facilities, located to the back and offset to the right of the courtyards. Tucked away in the trees, hidden from the beaten track.

Stay tuned for the rest of the set, tomorrow and after.