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[Ivan Speaks] Coinciding with the Ramadhan season, OneLastStint is at Xian Muslim quarters.
One of China's oldest and largest Muslim population.
Xian, one of the legendary and mythical cities of China. It was only in the past 30 years
did scientist and archaeologist was able to verify the true accounts of the monumental
accomplishments of its first emperor - Qin Shih Huang Ti.
One thing is for definite and that is the important commercial role Xi'an played. So
much so, it was responsible for the initiation of the legendary Silk Road. As with international
trades, amongst the prevailing benefits are the enrichment of culture, lifestyle and religion.
One of the most prominent aspects of Xi'an city today is the Muslim legacy. It's not
difficult to find the Muslim quarters when you're in Xi'an. In fact, it's the place to
be for some excellent eats and bargains. Naturally, I couldn't resist myself - so off I went to
the night bazaar at the Muslim quarter, just after the Muslim broke fast. Boy! Was I right
on the money! This place is electrifying. From noodles, to barbecue sticks. Pancakes
to the amazing dried dates. The neon lights and jam packed streets simply adds to the
already electrifying atmosphere.
[Ivan Speaks] Now, here in Xi'an there are loads and loads of happenings, particularly
within the city walls itself. There are no lack souvenirs, clothes, anything that you
can think of - you can find it here in Xi'an. Now one of the most important things here,
is the food. You can definitely get loads and loads of food within the Xi'an city walls
itself. And to my Muslim friends back home in Malaysia, I'm sure during this Ramadhan
season, you'll be dying to get yourself into one of these when you break fast.
I've been doing some reading, they say there's an illusive grand mosque right at the heart
of the Muslim quarters. It's quite possible that it's the oldest one in China - naturally,
I couldn't give this a pass. To find it, you first have to get lost - yeaps, in the bazaar.
Or you could ask the locals - they'll point you in the right direction.
[Ivan Speaks] Now coming from the drum towers and heading towards the Muslim quarters - and
by the stroke of luck, you got lost, and by a stroke of luck you come upon an old mosque.
Well, chances are you have come to one of China's oldest mosque. Built in 742 AD, it
is an important historical site to the Muslim's here in China.
Despite being over 2.5 millenia old, the grand mosque still stands as testimony of Muslim
strong presence here in Xi'an. Locals still do come and pray here everyday without fail.
In fact, they have a strong community going on here and this place doubles as a place
of gathering rather than just a place of worship. The unique mix of Islamic and Chinese architecture
does challenge the stereo-typical chinese budhism relationship.