Dungan Mosque

The Dungan Mosque stands as one of the most fascinating landmarks in Karakol, rivaling the prominence of the Holy Trinity Church.

This mosque is an intriguing structure deeply connected to the history of the large Dungan community in Karakol, which dates back over a century. In 1877, China was engulfed in a civil war between Chinese Muslims and followers of traditional Chinese religions. The Muslim population faced severe persecution, prompting over 300,000 people to flee across the Tian Shan Mountains into Kyrgyzstan, where many, including a significant number in Karakol, settled. These Chinese Muslims became known as the Dungans, a name that remains to this day.

Once they established themselves in the city, the Dungan community decided to build a mosque, enlisting the renowned architect Zhou-Si from Beijing. Construction of the mosque took three years and resulted in a truly unique structure: the wooden elements of the building were assembled without a single nail, and remarkably, they have remained intact for over 120 years.

The first thing that catches your eye when you see this extraordinary building is its distinctly Chinese style. The roof of the mosque is painted in a variety of colors and features an unusual sloping shape, characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture. The intricate wooden carvings adorning the façade also stand out, showcasing a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in Central Asian architecture.

The Dungan Mosque is a unique monument in Central Asian architecture, with virtually no comparable structures elsewhere. The mosque welcomes tourists, though women are advised to cover their heads with scarves, which are available for free at the entrance. While non-Muslims are generally discouraged from entering the mosque’s interior, they are still encouraged to admire the building and grounds from the outside.

The mosque in Karakol remains an active place of worship, which doesn’t prevent the locals from charging an entrance fee and often restricting tourists from accessing the main prayer hall. This restriction is justified by the fact that prayers take place there, and tourist groups sometimes disregard the sanctity of this time. Nevertheless, the mosque attracts numerous visitors, with guided tours available in English, Russian, and German.