The Muslims of Xi'an, China

There are an estimated 50,000 Muslims in the region

CHINA: Xi'an was the first city in China to be introduced to Islam when Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty officially allowed the practice of Islam in 651 AD and since, has made it home to a large Muslim community. 

With an estimated 50,000 Muslims in the region, majority of them hail from the Hui group.

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Located in the city centre, Muslim Quarter is the hub of the Muslim community in the city. The quarter covers several blocks and is inhabited by over 20,000 Muslims.

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There are about ten mosques in the area to accommodate the Muslim population, among which the Great Mosque in the Huajue Lane which is most famous and popular among all.

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Muslim Street - paved with blue flagstones and shaded by trees - are all operated by the Hui ethnic people. The streets are highlighted by a number of ancient architectural buildings and are also home to the Hanguang Gate of the Tang Dynasty, the Xicheng Gate Tower Cluster of the Ming Dynasty, the City God Temple and the Grand Mosque.

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Regarded as a tourist spot by foreigners, Muslim Street is considered by locals as a snack street where they also spend time during the hot summers.

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Various restaurants and stalls selling a variety of cakes, dried fruit and snacks can be found on the street. Visitors on Muslim Street seek famous dishes of Xi'an including marinated meat in a baked bun, pita bread soaked in lamb soup, bean threads in shaanxi flavouring and Xi'an dumplings.

This article originally appeared on Aquila Style