As once a major trading center, Yangzhou attracted merchants and missionaries from the Islamic countries of the Middle East, who traded, preached, and lived in the city. This history survives in the beautiful Tomb of Puhaddin. Puhaddin was an Arabian missionary and a descendant of the Prophet Mohammed who arrived in Yangzhou in the twelfth century. He preached to the Muslim merchants in the city, and also converted many local people to Islam as well. His tomb was expanded over the centuries to become an Islamic complex with a small mosque, prayer hall, library, and the tombs of other famous Chinese Muslims, many of which are beautifully decorated with carved patterns of vivid flowers and leaves.
Located on a hill overlooking the Grand Canal, the complex is very green and relaxing, with trees and grass surrounding the buildings and tombs. Behind it is a wooded garden surrounding a small tower built to observe the moon and so calculate the Islamic lunar calendar. The buildings are designed in a fascinating mix of Chinese and Middle Eastern styles. The buildings are topped with domes instead of tiles with upturned eaves, metal crescents and stars of Islam top the buildings, and Arabic instead of Chinese calligraphy decorates doorways and prayer halls. The tomb complex is a unique glimpse of the intersection of two cultures, and also a calm and tranquil retreat. |
