Landscapes of Spirituality: The Topography of Ismaili Sacred Sites in Xinjiang, China

By Amier Saidula, Research Associate, Department of Academic Research and Publications, Central Asian Study Unit, Institute of Ismaili Studies, 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2DA

Excerpt:

This study is a brief ethnography of sacred sites venerated (mazur tawuf chaig in the local vernacular) by the small Shi’i Ismaili community of Tashkurgan, in Xinjiang in the People’s Republic of China.

This article documents some of the important sacred sites and their relevance today, in an age of economic and social change. Since in Islam the term ‘pilgrimage’ is often associated with the annual hajj to Mecca, the term ‘visit’ is used for the local pilgrimage-like tradition being discussed here to avoid confusion. The study is based on data collected in the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang in the summer of 2011.

Download from the source (PDF): http://www.anthro.ox.ac.uk/fileadmin/ISCA/JASO/2016/3_-_Saidula.pdf

 

Earlier:

A short documentary on Ismailis of China

 

Related: China

A short documentary on Ismailis of China Event – October 30 | The Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat: Pluralism Forum – India and Canada: Pathways to Inclusive Citizenship The first mosque in China was established by the Prophet’s uncle The Lost Dhow Exhibition confirms the flourishing trade between Chinese and Muslim Empires China Culture | Tang Treasures from Arabic shipwreck are on display at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto Pakistan Today | Biggest Pak-China Cultural Exhibition opens today with presentations from Aga Khan Cultural Services Dr. Awiti of the Aga Khan University & East African Institute: Africa Must Lead In Climate Change War Xinhua News Agency | UN Special Envoy for Syria meets with His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and various Syrian stakeholders in Geneva Road To The Dragon: Overcoming Challenges To The Wakhan Corridor – Analysis | Eurasia Review Chinese “Swatow wares” were named after the port from which they were thought to have been exported The 7th Annual G(irls)20 Summit 2016 to be held in China Harvard grad Rahim Mawji named inaugral Schwarzmann Scholar to attend Tsinghua University, Beijing Commemorative Stamp issued by Chinese Government for Dr. Shaf Keshavjee ArchNet: Amin Mosque – Turfan, China Jamil & Alia Juma: How Canadian siblings behind Juma clothing line breaking into the market in China Road to Jubilee Games: Jamats of Far East Unite to Compete as One Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2014-2016 Cycle (Shortlisted Project # 7): Micro Yuan’er – Hutong/courtyard Renovation, Beijing, China Wakhi Chinese artists participated in the ‘Roof of the World’ (Bam-i-Dunya) festival at Gulmit Hunza Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2016 Winner: Hutong Children’s Library and Art Centre Beijing, China Syrian musicians join Wu Mann in the Aga Khan Music Initiative London concert titled “Old and New Music from the Ends of the Silk Route” Ali Karim Travelog: China and Pakistan Landscapes of Spirituality: The Topography of Ismaili Sacred Sites in Xinjiang, China Rahman Jamal named Visiting Professor Tongji University Shanghai China Nasir-i Khusraw and his disciples spread Ismailism to China More…

 

Previously on Ismailimail…

Student Art Installation at the Aga Khan Museum: Finding Home: Personal Journeys and Visual Narratives Saeeda’s journey: The Patients’ Behbud (Welfare) Society of Aga Khan University Hospital Free heart screening medical camp by the Aga Khan University Hospital Irfanali Moledina has a nose for business as a founder of an essential oils business | Canadian Immigrant Indiana University Press Book: The Music of Central Asia | Aga Khan Music Initiative Ginan: Shaamku aavan(n)taa jo kahe – Those who inform about the arrival of the Imam Ismaili Centre Toronto Welcomes 50 New Canadian Citizens Today in history: Firdawsi’s epic poem, the Shahnama, was completed