China, Islamic architecture in - Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE
General Material Designation
[Article]
First Statement of Responsibility
Steinhardt, Nancy
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Place of Publication, Distribution, etc.
Leiden
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Brill
GENERAL NOTES
Text of Note
(12,744 words)
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Islamic architecture in China most likely dates from the eighth century and flourished from the time of the Song dynasty (r. 960-1279). It is characterised by its adaptability to the Chinese building system. The oldest Muslim buildings in China today (cenotaphs, mausoleums, and prayer halls, an entry gate, and a minaret) survive in locations across the country and date to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Shrines of holy men (Ar. qubba ) date primarily from the Qing dynasty (r. 1644-1911) and are located in western China. The oldest Islamic