Id Kah MosqueAbout Id Kah Mosque
The Id Kah Mosque is the principal historic mosque in Kashgar, Xinjiang, located on a large square in the old city and historically central to Uyghur religious life. It dates back to the mid 15th century and has been enlarged and rebuilt in later periods.
Architectural elements include a large courtyard and covered prayer halls with decorative features typical of the region’s mosque architecture. The mosque’s open square has traditionally been used for major communal prayers and public events.
Over centuries the mosque has seen phases of construction and restoration, serving continuously as a focal point for worship and local religious observance. It remains one of the most recognizable religious sites in Kashgar’s historic district.
The mosque sits within Kashgar’s old town, surrounded by market streets and urban fabric that reflect the city’s historic role on regional trade routes.
- Founding era: Founded in the mid 15th century, the mosque grew through later additions and was traditionally the central place of worship for Kashgar’s Muslim community.
- Community role: Located on a large square in Kashgar’s old city, the mosque has historically hosted major communal prayers and public religious gatherings.
What to See#
- Prayer hall: Main prayer hall with a lined timber roof and decorative interior elements, used for regular Friday prayers and congregational services.
- Courtyard: Central courtyard and entrance area that functions as a public square in Kashgar’s old city and links the mosque to surrounding streets and markets.
Nearby Attractions to Id Kah Mosque
Best Time to Visit Id Kah Mosque
Visit Kashgar in spring or autumn for the most comfortable temperatures and easier exploration of the Id Kah Mosque and surrounding old town.
Weather & Climate near Id Kah Mosque
Id Kah Mosque's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - 0° | -5° | 3 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 1.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | -6° - 5° | -3° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 48% | 1.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| March | Good | 2° - 13° | 7° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 35% | 1.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 9° - 22° | 15° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 26% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 13° - 26° | 20° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 27% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.2h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 30° | 23° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 24% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 26° | 11 mm | some cloud | 24% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 15 mm | some cloud | 27% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Ideal | 12° - 27° | 19° | 10 mm | some cloud | 30% | 1.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 5° - 20° | 12° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 31% | 1.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | -2° - 10° | 4° | 3 mm | some cloud | 41% | 1.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | -8° - 2° | -3° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.3h |
How to Get to Id Kah Mosque
Id Kah Mosque is in the old city of Kashgar (Id Kah Square) and is reached on foot from the city’s central market and old-town streets. Taxis and local buses serve Kashgar city; if arriving by air, Kashgar Airport is served by taxis and airport shuttles into town from which the mosque is a short taxi ride or a walk within the old quarter.
Tips for Visiting Id Kah Mosque
- Avoid Friday noon if you want to tour the mosque area quietly - Friday prayers at Id Kah fill the square and the mosque, making the site very busy and less accessible to non‑worship visitors.
- Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon light for the best photos of the mosque and Id Kah Square, and be aware that the site is an active religious center so modest dress and respectful behavior are required.
- Spend time exploring the surrounding old‑city lanes beyond the main square - many visitors stay on the plaza and miss the traditional Uyghur market streets and smaller prayer courtyards nearby.