The Emin Minaret: A Masterpiece of Islamic Artistry and Silk Road History

1.The Emin: Minaret, also known as the Sugong Pagoda, stands as one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in Turpan, Xinjiang, representing a peak of Islamic artistry in the region. Located approximately 2 kilometers east of Turpan city, this striking tower is a premier example of 18th-century religious construction, characterized by its unique use of brick without a single piece of wood. It was commissioned in 1778 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. The tower was built by Suleiman, the son of the Turpan ruler Emin Khoja, to fulfill his father's wish to commemorate the kindness of the Qing government and to showcase the family's devotion.

Standing 37 meters tall with a base diameter of 10 meters, the minaret features a graceful, tapering cylindrical shape. Its most distinctive artistic feature is the intricate brickwork on its exterior surface. Local craftsmen utilized the varied arrangements of gray-brown bricks to create 15 distinct geometric and floral patterns, including triangular waves, diamonds, and mountain-shaped motifs. These patterns transform as the sunlight shifts across the tower, creating a dynamic visual experience that highlights the sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient Xinjiang.

The interior of the minaret is equally remarkable, featuring a central pillar surrounded by a spiral staircase with 81 steps. To provide ventilation and illumination for the dark interior, the tower was designed with 14 small vent holes at various levels and directions. Adjacent to the minaret is a massive Islamic mosque, which can accommodate over a thousand worshippers. The mosque’s simple yet solemn wooden pillar construction contrasts with the ornate brickwork of the tower, together forming a grand religious complex that has stood firm for centuries. As a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, the Emin Minaret remains a vital testament to the fusion of ethnic traditions and the enduring legacy of the Silk Road.