Mahmud al-Kashgari Scenic Area

Mahmud al-Kashgari Scenic Area

The Mahmud al-Kashgari Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

The tomb of Mahmud al-Kashgari is located on the hill of Ayzeret Maula Mountain in Upal Township, Shufu County, about 45 kilometers southwest of Kashgar City. The area boasts a serene environment, lush trees, and a pleasant climate. The current mausoleum was reconstructed in 1985. To the east of the tomb lies a mosque used for prayers by Muslim visitors and nearby villagers. To the north of the tomb is an exhibition room that displays books and materials related to the "Compendium of the Turkic Dialects" and the life of Mahmud al-Kashgari. In front of the tomb stands a natural spring, known as the Sacred Spring. Beside the spring grows an ancient poplar tree with a gnarled yet sturdy trunk and luxuriant foliage, regarded as a remarkable sight. Mahmud al-Kashgari (1008–1105) was a renowned 11th-century Uyghur linguist in China. After years of research, he completed the world's first "Compendium of the Turkic Dialects" in Arabic in 1076. This monumental work is meticulously structured, clearly organized, and exceptionally rich in vocabulary. It is considered an encyclopedia of Turkic peoples and holds great value for studying the history, geography, customs, social life, and culture of Central Asian countries. It also provides valuable material for researching the history, geography, resources, and folklore of Turkic tribes. The compendium has been published in over ten languages by many countries and is treasured as a gem in the cultural and artistic heritage of both China and the world. His father, Muhammad ibn Hussein, was a noble of the Kara-Khanid Khanate and the leader of Balghan City, well-versed in Islamic scriptures and Turkic culture. His mother, Bubi Layba, was highly knowledgeable and devoted her life to her son’s success. Mahmud studied at the Madrasah Hamidiyah and Madrasah Shajiyah in Kashgar, the capital of the Kara-Khanid Khanate, receiving systematic higher religious and cultural education. In 1058, after his father was killed in a court upheaval, he wandered for 14 years. He traveled to Islamic cultural hubs such as Bukhara, Samarkand, and Nishapur, seeking knowledge from scholars and conducting field studies on the languages, folk literature, and customs of various Turkic-speaking tribes in Central Asia, collecting extensive data. He also delved deeply into the history and philosophy of Islam. Fluent in Turkic, Arabic, and Persian, he possessed profound knowledge in literature, history, geography, and folklore.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level