Yiman Asimu Mazar

Yiman Asimu Mazar

Introduction: Yiman Asimu Mazar is located 9.5 kilometers northeast of Jia Township government, on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. There are currently two tombs, which are said to be the burial sites of brothers Yiman Asimu and Yiman Ashimu.

Yiman Asimu Mazar has a history of over a thousand years, and the existing ancient tombs are situated among the sand dunes. It is recorded that about 900 years ago, Yimamu Asimu came to this area to provide support and engaged in battle with the Sangsawili army of the ancient Kingdom of Khotan, where he died. His followers built a shrine and tomb for him, hence the name Yimamu Asimu Tomb. It later became a sacred site for Muslims. In 1938, funded by Muslim devotees, a mosque was constructed on the sand dune southeast of the mazar, measuring 30 meters in length and 15 meters in width, along with two guard rooms. A well was also dug 50 meters northwest of the mazar. In 1958, the mosque was demolished as part of efforts to reform customs.

Every year from April to May, devotees from Kashgar, Aksu, and Hotan in Xinjiang travel long distances to gather here for worship, with numbers reaching up to 5,000 to over 10,000, forming a grand gathering. Yiman Asimu Mazar is a key cultural relic protection unit of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Xinjiang Hotan

Jia Township: In every village of Jia Township in Luopu County, known as the “Hometown of Atlas Silk,” the sound of silk looms can be heard. The production of Atlas silk in Jia Township has a history of over 3,000 years and is the most concentrated, largest-scale, and most influential silk-producing area in the Hotan region. In Jia Township, nearly every household owns a silk loom, and many families inquire about the other party’s skill in weaving Atlas silk when arranging marriages… Today, traditional wooden looms have been replaced by electric ones, but the traditional tie-dye techniques and richly ethnic-patterned designs have been preserved… More details about Jia Township++