Mausoleum of Mahmud al-Kashgari
麻赫穆德·喀什噶里麻扎
The tomb of the 11th-century compiler of the 'Compendium of the Turkic Languages', on a hillside in Upal, southwest of Kashgar. From it you can look over the oasis and the distant Pamir mountains.
Mahmud al-Kashgari (c. 1008 to 1105) was a scholar of the Kara-Khanid period. His 'Compendium of the Turkic Languages' (Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk) is an encyclopedic work for studying the ancient Turkic languages and the history of Central Asia. The tomb lies on the Aizirete Mola hillside in Upal Town, Shufu County, about 45 kilometers from Kashgar along National Highway G314 toward the Pamirs. The mausoleum buildings feature white and green Islamic-style gateways, colonnades and domes. The courtyard has a spring and old trees, and from the hill behind the tomb you can look out over the Upal oasis and the snowy mountains in the distance. Upal holds a traditional bazaar every Monday, which makes a convenient stop to experience a rural market. Admission prices should be checked on site. A visit takes about 1 hour.
Opening hours
Daytime (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Shipton's Arch (Tushuk Tash)
- Ukusak Musical Instrument Village
- Kashgar Sunday Livestock Market
- Ostangboyi Handicraft Street
- Former British Consulate-General (Chini Bagh)
- Century-old Teahouse
- Id Kah Mosque
- Mausoleum of Yusuf Khass Hajib