Abakh Hoja Tomb


Abakh Hoja Tomb, commonly known among Chinese, as the Tomb of Xiangfei, a famous imperial concubine, is the most
magnificent tomb in Kashgar, filled with history and symbolism. It served as the family tomb of Abakh Hoja, the powerful
ruler of Kashgar in the 17th century.

Xiangfei, Abakh Hoja's grand-daughter, whose name means "Fragrant Concubine", was concubine of Emperor Qianlong
. Legend has it that Iparhan, a descendant of Abakh Khoja, exuded an enchanting fragrance without using any perfume,
hence the name Xiang Fei. She spent 28 years beside the emperor in Beijing, abiding strictly by Islamic doctrines. She
wore ethnic costumes and was waited on by a special chef. Before her death at 55 she expressed her desire to be buried
in her hometown of Turpan. The emperor so loved her that he had her coffin of clothes sent back to where it is now. This
cost 124 people three years and a half.

Located five kilometers northeast of Kashgar, the tomb is an important cultural treasure protected by the Autonomous
Region. The tomb is composed of a group of beautiful and magnificent buildings in a complex with a pond and an orchard.

In addition to the Tomb Hall, there is the Doctrine-Teaching Hall, the Great Hall of Prayer and the gate tower. The Tomb Hall supports a dome of 17
meters in diameter, 26 meters high and 39 meters long at the base. Its south side is covered with green glazed tile. The hall is spacious and
columnless, containing a high terrace on which the tombs of glazed brick are arranged. They are patterned with blue flowers on a white
background glittering, simple and elegant. The Great Hall of Prayer is in the western part of the tomb. Known as Ayitijiayi, Muslim services are
conducted here on important days. The Lesser Hall of Prayer and the gate tower are outer buildings decorated with colorful paintings and elegant
brick carvings. Outside, the pond is lined with tall trees, bringing a peaceful ambiance to the area.

The tomb known as the Xiang Fei Tomb is in memory of her. The Uigur see her as a Uigur heroine and the Han
people see her as heroine of anti-Qing and anti-feudal sentiment.