Chapter 43 Section 6 Guangzhou Huaisheng Temple

Huaisheng Mosque is located on Guangta Road, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province. According to legend, it was first built in the Tang Dynasty. It was built with donations from Arab businessmen living in Guangzhou organized by the famous Arab missionary Abu Wangesu who came to China at that time. It has been 1,000 years ago It has a history of many years and is one of the earliest mosques built after Islam was introduced into China. It used to be called the sister temple of Jingjue Temple in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. At that time, Arab merchants gathered in Guangzhou to trade with merchants in mainland China.They live together in the "Fanfang" specially set up for them, so there is a temple built here.Huaisheng Mosque is named for its memory of the founder of Islam, Muhammad; and because of the 36.3-meter-high light tower built in the temple, it is also known as "Light Tower Temple".

The original name of the light tower is Huli Tower, which is pronounced as "Bang Tower" according to the Persian pronunciation. It is cylindrical and looks like a giant pen straight into the clouds.At night, a navigation light is hung on the top of the tower, and there is an entrance and exit under the tower, which can spiral up the steps in the tower and climb to the top of the tower.The appearance of the tower body has no hierarchy, and its round tower body and pointed spire have a typical Arab Islamic architectural style.A golden rooster on the top of the tower can rotate to measure the wind.At that time, in May and June every year, the Arabian fleet entered the port by the monsoon, and the temple people climbed the tower to pray for the wind, which was quite spectacular.

The temple covers an area of ​​2,500 square meters. In addition to the light pagoda, the main existing buildings also include temple gates, moon towers, water houses, promenades, stele pavilions, and worship halls.You have to go through the triple gate, three courtyards, and then the moon tower before you can reach the main hall of worship.The worship hall sits west and faces east according to Islamic rules, and its shape is solemn and solemn. Its proportions, colors and detailed decorations have certain characteristics of West Asian architecture. Huaisheng Mosque can accommodate more than 1,000 believers for activities at the same time.It is a historical witness of the friendly exchanges between our country and the people of Islamic countries.The ancient Huaisheng Mosque has been repaired many times, and has been completely renewed in recent years.The environment in the courtyard is extremely quiet and unique.Now it has become a place for international friends who believe in Islam and domestic Muslims to engage in religious activities.In addition, the Guangzhou Islamic Association is also located here.