Dungan mosque

The Dungan Mosque is a work of art of Dungan architecture with roots in China. Built in 1910 from wood without a single nail. The influence of the pre-Islamic Buddhist past of the Dungans is felt. Instead of a minaret, the mosque has a wooden pagoda.

The western part of the mosque is without windows, since the faces of the worshipers are turned here. Ornamental patterns of cornices are a unique work of art – scenes from traditional Chinese mythology: dragons, phoenixes, lions, and fairy-tale creatures. According to legends, they guard the mosque from evil spirits.

The color of the building and the color of the roof, as well as materials were selected according to certain canons. The walls are purple. Columns must be painted red, as it protects from disasters and evil spirits. The roof of the mosque is green, which brings prosperity and happiness. The carved patterns are divided into vegetal (green) and images of mythical creatures, painted in yellow, symbolizing wealth and greatness.