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The Abakh Hoja Tomb is a mausoleum in Kashgar. The Abakh Hoja Tomb is the holiest Muslim site in the region. Abakh Hoja Tomb is located 5 km northeast from the centre of Kashgar. The tomb is popularly known as Xiangfei Tomb in China. Its construction dates back to around 1640 AD and it was originally built as the final resting place for Muhammad Yūsuf. Yūsuf was a Sufi master from Central Asia, associated with the Naqshbandi order, who arrived in the Altishahr region (now known as Southern Xinjiang) in the early 17th century. He may have also played a role in propagating Sufism in China. Di 1694, his son and successor, the more renowned Afāq Hoja, was also interred there. The tomb, adorned with tiles, is believed to house the tombs of five generations of the Afāqi family, offering a place of eternal rest for 72 family members.
• AKA: The Afaq Khoja Mausoleum; Xiangfei Tomb
• Name in Chinese: 香妃墓
• Chinese Pinyin: XiāngFēi Mù
• Date Established: 1640 Masehi
• Location: Haohan Village, Kota Kashgar
• Visiting Time: 1 – 2 x Hours
The mausoleum was initially built in 1640 as the tomb of Yusup Hoja, a renowned Islamic missionary, was the first person buried at the Abakh Hoja Tomb. Following his passing, his son, Abakh Hoja, continued his legacy and rose to prominence as a respected Islamic leader of the Ishan sect (依禅派) in Kashgar at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Due to Abakh Hoja’s greater renown, the family tomb was later named the Abakh Hoja Tomb in 1693, upon his death and burial there.
The other name of Abakh Hoja Tomb, “Xiangfei Tomb”, is associated with the legend of a famous concubine named Xiangfei (Fragrant Concubine) of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. According to folklore, the Concubine was Maimur Azum, a descendant of the Hoja family, who was born with a pleasant fragrance. She was wed to Emperor Qianlong, but sadly passed away at a young age. Her remains were transported back to her hometown of Kashgar.
Visitors at Abakh Hoja Tomb are captivated by the grand and distinctive ancient Islamic structures. The Mausoleum includes impressive buildings like the Tomb Hall, Doctrine-teaching Hall, Great Hall of Prayer, Gate Tower, Pond, and Orchard. The Main Gate features tall brick columns adorned with blue glazed bricks showcasing intricate white floral patterns. A small mosque and a teaching hall are located beyond the gate. The Central Rectangle Chamber boasts semi-embedded columns tapering from bottom to top, with a large hemispheric dome at its center, reflecting a blend of Islamic and traditional Uyghur architectural styles.
The Tombs Hall, measuring 85 feet in height and 128 feet in length, contains various tombs, each draped in different colored cloth. Constructed with glazed bricks, the graves feature intricate flower designs on a white backdrop. Larger tombs are designated for males, with smaller ones reserved for females.
The Abakh Hoja Tomb’s song and dance orchard spans approximately 2.4 acres and features a range of Kashgar fruits like apricots, sour plums, figs, walnuts, grapes, papayas, cherries, and mulberries. Visitors can taste various fruits while enjoying Xinjiang ethnic performances, engage with performers, participate in collaborative acts, and savor captivating performances like “Sama Dance” and “Maixilaipu”.
• Biaya Masuk: CNY30.
• Jam Buka: 9:30 – 21:30.
• Dengan Bus: Take bus 3, 6, 20 to Xiangfei Yuan Station.
