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Iparhan Tomb
Located in Korgan Village, about 5 kilometers northeast of Kashgar City, the Abakh Khoja Tomb is one of the most famous Islamic architectural complexes in Xinjiang. Built in 1640, the tomb is regarded as one of the largest and most important Khoja mausoleums (mazar) in the region, representing the religious traditions, history, and artistic achievements of the Uyghur people.
The name “Khoja” refers to descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, and the tomb complex is closely connected with the influential Khoja family, who played an important role in the religious and political history of Kashgar.
History of Abakh Khoja Tomb
Originally, the site was known as Yusup Khoja Tomb, named after Haji Muhammad Yusup Khoja, a respected Islamic missionary from Central Asia who arrived in Kashgar during the mid-17th century.
Due to political conflicts, Yusup Khoja later traveled to Hami (Kumul), where he married the daughter of a local nobleman, Mirsayid Jalil. Their son, Abakh Khoja, was born there in 1621.
Later, Yusup Khoja and his family returned to Kashgar, where he gained local support from followers, including a wealthy resident of Korgan Village who donated orchards, gardens, houses, and land. With this support, Yusup Khoja established religious facilities and began building the foundation of what would become the famous tomb complex.
In 1640, Yusup Khoja died while returning from Yarkand and was buried here by his son. The tomb was originally called Yusup Khoja Mazar.
After his father’s death, Abakh Khoja continued his father’s religious work. He became one of the most influential Islamic leaders in Kashgar and played a major role in regional religious affairs. After his death in 1693, he was also buried at the same site.
Because Abakh Khoja became more famous than his father due to his religious and political influence, the tomb gradually became known as Abakh Khoja Tomb.
The Legend of Xiangfei (Fragrant Concubine)
The Abakh Khoja Tomb is also famous because of its connection with the legendary Xiangfei (Fragrant Concubine), known in Uyghur as Iparhan.
According to local legends, Emperor Qianlong Emperor once dreamed of a beautiful woman from Kashgar who came to him from the western regions. Later, his officials traveled to Kashgar and found a young Uyghur woman whose beauty matched the emperor’s dream.
The woman was said to have a natural fragrance, so she became known as Xiangfei, meaning “Fragrant Concubine.”
Historical records suggest that Xiangfei was actually a Uyghur woman named Iparhan (1735–1785), a descendant of the Abakh Khoja family. After members of her family assisted Qing forces during conflicts in Xinjiang, she was brought to Beijing and entered the imperial court.
According to tradition, after her death, her remains were transported back to Kashgar and buried in the Abakh Khoja Tomb complex. The journey was said to have taken several years and involved many people, becoming an important part of local folklore.
Architecture of Abakh Khoja Tomb
The entire tomb complex covers approximately 48,000 square meters and includes:
* Entrance gate tower
* Ablution pool
* Small daily mosque
* Main mausoleum
* Religious teaching rooms
* Jame Mosque (Friday Mosque)
* Large public cemetery
The main mausoleum is a magnificent example of Central Asian Islamic architecture. The building features:
* Blue glazed ceramic tiles
* Large dome-style structure
* Elegant decorative patterns
* Traditional Uyghur architectural elements
The original craftsmanship of the glazed tile decoration is considered highly valuable, as many traditional techniques are no longer practiced today.
Inside the Mausoleum
The tomb complex contains the burial sites of several generations of the Khoja family. Historically, 72 members from five generations were buried here.
The main blue-and-green decorated tomb belongs to Abakh Khoja and his family. The smaller tomb traditionally associated with Xiangfei is decorated separately.
Visitors can also see gardens with flowers, especially roses, which provide a peaceful atmosphere and popular photography spots.
Uyghur Burial Traditions
The Abakh Khoja Tomb also provides insight into traditional Uyghur Islamic burial customs.
According to local traditions:
1. After a person passes away, the body is cleaned according to Islamic customs.
2. The body is wrapped in white cloth.
3. It is taken to a nearby mosque for prayers.
4. Male relatives and community members carry the body to the cemetery.
5. The body is buried underground beneath the tomb structure.
Uyghur tombs are often shaped like a cradle, symbolizing the connection between birth and death. Just as a baby is placed in a cradle at the beginning of life, a person returns to a similar symbolic resting place after death.
Visiting Abakh Khoja Tomb
Today, Abakh Khoja Tomb is one of Kashgar’s most important cultural attractions. Visitors can experience:
* Islamic architecture of Xinjiang
* Uyghur religious traditions
* Silk Road history
* Local legends and folklore
* Traditional gardens and craftsmanship
With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and connection to the famous Xiangfei legend, Abakh Khoja Tomb offers a deeper understanding of Kashgar’s multicultural heritage.
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