Traveling to visit ancient sites ~ Hebei Botou Mosque (National Fifth)

Botou Mosque is one of the famous ancient Islamic buildings in North China. Its overall shape is similar to Han Buddhist temples and Taoist temples, but its functions are completely Islamic, reflecting local characteristics. It was first built in the second year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1404), and has undergone many expansions and renovations. The existing buildings are in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was built by order of Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty. Since then, it has undergone many reconstructions and expansions. The main structure of the existing building complex was mainly formed in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and large-scale repairs and expansions were carried out during the Kangxi and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty. It was built by order of Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty. Following the principle of central axis symmetry of traditional Chinese architecture, the main buildings including the gate, Bunker Building (Minaret), Prayer Hall, and Moon-Watching Building are arranged in sequence along the north-south axis. The mosque faces east and sits west, covers an area of ​​15,000 square meters, with a construction area of ​​3,000 square meters. It consists of three parts: the front yard, the atrium, and the main hall courtyard, with more than 200 houses. The exterior combines traditional Chinese temples with Arabic architectural elements, such as flying eaves, brackets, glazed tile roofs and Islamic patterns. The main worship hall adopts a "hook-and-link" structure, forming a huge vertical space that can accommodate thousands of people worshipping at the same time. The rear kiln hall has a hexagonal spire. The temple houses precious cultural relics such as the Ming Dynasty handwritten Quran, Ming and Qing Dynasty porcelain, bronzes, and , reflecting its profound historical heritage. The brick carving and painting techniques are exquisite, with floral and geometric patterns as the main patterns. Some carvings incorporate auspicious patterns of the Han nationality and coexist with Arabic calligraphy, showing the fusion of multi-ethnic cultures.