Emin Minaret

苏公塔

Xinjiang's largest ancient tower: a 44-metre Islamic-style brick minaret beside a mosque, built during the Qianlong era by a Turpan prince in memory of his father.

Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Ta, stands in Munar Village, Putao Township, about 2 km southeast of downtown Turpan. Completed in 1777 (the 42nd year of the Qianlong reign), it was built by Prince Suleiman of Turpan to honour his father, Emin Khoja, who had contributed to the pacification of the Dzungars. It is also the largest surviving ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang. The tower is about 44 metres tall, with a base roughly 10 metres in diameter. Built entirely of yellow brick, its body tapers noticeably into a cone shape. The outer walls feature more than a dozen geometric patterns, including diamond lattices, water waves and four-petal flowers, which are rugged yet refined. Inside, 72 spiral steps once led to the top, though climbing is no longer permitted. Beside the tower, the Emin Minaret Mosque can hold a thousand worshippers. Its adobe-vaulted main hall is cool and dim, and the vineyard in front of it reflected alongside the tower makes a classic photo composition. A stele in front of the tower, inscribed in Chinese and Chagatai, explains why the tower was built. Admission is about 45 yuan, and a visit takes 30 to 45 minutes. It is the most convenient stop on the way from downtown to the eastern sights and is a landmark of Turpan. Good to know: inside the mosque, keep noise down and do not photograph people at prayer; dress modestly; the tower's patterns look best in the late-afternoon side light. A taxi from downtown costs about 10 to 15 yuan.

Emin Minaret

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