Kashgar history

Kashgar is one of the oldest and most strategically important cities in Central Asia, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Located in an oasis on the extreme western edge of the Taklamakan Desert, it has been a living witness to the rise and fall of empires, as well as a meeting point for a multitude of cultures.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements in the Kashgar oasis emerged thanks to nomadic tribes, such as the Yuezhi, who cultivated these lands in the 1st millennium BC. The city, under the name Shule, is first mentioned in Chinese chronicles of the Han Dynasty in the 2nd century BC. These records testify to its early significance as a vital point on the nascent Great Silk Road.

Key Factors of Formation

Kashgar owes its growth and prosperity to several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city lies at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, at the intersection of the northern and southern routes of the Great Silk Road. This made it a natural "gateway" connecting China with the Fergana Valley, India, and Persia.
• Trade: For centuries, Kashgar was a bustling center of caravan trade. Silk, spices, precious stones, horses, and goods from local artisans were sold in its markets, contributing to its economic prosperity.
• Political Power: Throughout its long history, the city has been under the rule of numerous states: from the Chinese Han and Tang dynasties to the Turkic Khaganate, the Karakhanid Khanate (for which Kashgar was the capital), and the Mongol Empire. Each era left its mark on the city's culture and architecture.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of ancient Kashgar was based on two pillars: transit trade and oasis agriculture. Fertile lands allowed for the cultivation of cotton, grains, and a variety of fruits. The cultural life of the city was equally rich. Initially, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism were widespread here. However, in the 10th century, with the rise of the Karakhanid dynasty, Islam became the dominant religion, and Kashgar transformed into one of the most important centers of Islamic scholarship and Turkic culture in the region. This diversity of influences formed the unique appearance of the city that can still be observed today.

Key Milestones in the History of Kashgar

The history of Kashgar is a kaleidoscope of eras, where each has left its unique mark. From a vital node on the Great Silk Road to the capital of powerful states, here is a brief chronology of the key events that shaped the appearance of this ancient city.

• 60 BC — The Han Dynasty establishes the residence of a military governor in the region, marking Kashgar's inclusion in the sphere of influence of the Chinese empire.
• 10th Century — The city becomes one of the capitals of the Karakhanid state, launching its "golden age" as a center of Islamic culture and science in the region.
• 1219 — Kashgar becomes part of the vast Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan.
• 1273 — The famous Venetian merchant and traveler Marco Polo visits the city during his legendary journey across Asia.
• Late 14th Century — The troops of Tamerlane (Amir Timur) capture the city, leading to significant changes in its development and the strengthening of Islamization.
• 1442 — Construction of the Id Kah Mosque is completed, which would eventually become one of the largest and most important mosques in China.
• 1755 — As a result of Manchu conquests, Kashgar becomes part of the Qing Empire, securing it within the Chinese state for a long period.
• 1865 — Yaqub Beg proclaims Kashgar the capital of his independent state, Yettishar ("Seven Cities").
• 1877 — Troops of the Qing Empire retake the city, ending the existence of Yaqub Beg's state.
• 2007 — A large-scale program for the reconstruction and preservation of the Old City begins, aimed at strengthening unique historical buildings and improving their seismic resistance.

Key Stages of Kashgar's Development

The history of Kashgar is a continuous chain of transformations, where each era left its trace. From a trading center on the Great Silk Road to a modern economic hub, the city has constantly changed while preserving its unique cultural heritage. Here are the main milestones of its development.

• Center of the Great Silk Road (2nd c. BC — 15th c.): Its location at the intersection of caravan routes made Kashgar a key economic and cultural hub. Merchants from China, Persia, India, and Central Asia met here, facilitating not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, religions, and technologies. This laid the foundation for the city's multifaceted culture.
• Capital of the Karakhanid State (10th-12th c.): During this period, Kashgar became one of the most important political and spiritual centers of the Turkic world. The adoption of Islam as the state religion turned the city into a center for Islamic science and education, which was reflected in its architecture and culture.
• Part of the Mongol Empire (13th-14th c.): Inclusion in Genghis Khan's empire, and later the Chagatai Khanate, reaffirmed Kashgar's strategic importance. Despite the destruction caused by Tamerlane's troops in the late 14th century, the city retained its role as an important trading point, as evidenced by the records of Marco Polo, who visited in 1273.
• Integration into the Qing Empire (from 1755): The conquest of Kashgar by the Qing Dynasty definitively secured it within the Chinese state. This led to a new stage of urban planning and administrative reforms, although it was accompanied by numerous uprisings.
• Capital of the State of Yettishar (1865–1877): For a short period, Kashgar became the capital of an independent state led by Yaqub Beg. This stage was marked by the creation of its own administrative system and an active foreign policy aimed at maneuvering between the interests of the Russian and British empires.
• Modern Economic Development (20th-21st c.): In the 20th century, the construction of transport arteries, such as the Karakoram Highway, strengthened the region's economic ties. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Kashgar became part of China's initiative to develop the western regions, receiving the status of a Special Economic Zone. This gave impetus to trade, tourism, and infrastructure modernization.
• Large-scale Reconstruction of the Old City (from 2007): Authorities launched a massive project to renovate Kashgar's historic center. The stated goal was the preservation of cultural heritage, increasing the seismic resistance of buildings, and improving living conditions. The project significantly changed the appearance of the ancient quarters, turning them into a popular tourist attraction.

The architecture of Kashgar represents a unique blend of Central Asian and Islamic traditions, shaped by its centuries-old history as a key node on the Great Silk Road. Unlike European architectural styles, the city's appearance was defined by local Uyghur building canons, which are particularly evident in its historical core. Urban development demonstrates a contrast between the labyrinths of ancient quarters and modern districts that have appeared during the process of urbanization.

The historical center of the city — Kashgar Old City — is a living museum of traditional Uyghur architecture. Its layout is an intricate network of narrow streets and alleys lined with houses made of adobe brick and poplar wood. Characteristic features include inner courtyards hidden from prying eyes and multi-story structures with stepped terraces. This urban structure has served for centuries to protect against the scorching sun and create a comfortable microclimate, reflecting the lifestyle of an oasis city.

Landmark monuments that have shaped Kashgar's architectural appearance are its monumental religious structures. The Id Kah Mosque, built in 1442, is one of the largest in China and represents a magnificent example of Central Asian Islamic architecture. It is distinguished by a majestic portal with two minarets, yellow brickwork, and a spacious prayer hall. Another outstanding example is the Mausoleum of Abakh Hoja (17th century) — a tomb adorned with green and blue glazed tiles, featuring a large central dome and four corner minarets, demonstrating the sophistication of the local architectural school.

In the modern era, Kashgar's urban development has undergone significant changes. Alongside the preservation and partial reconstruction of the historical center, new residential and commercial districts with modern infrastructure have been built. This process has led to the appearance of architecture in the urban landscape that is stylized as ancient but is essentially new, reflecting the transformation of the ancient city into a major tourist and economic center of the region.

Notable Figures Associated with Kashgar

Throughout the centuries, Kashgar was not only a commercial and political hub but also the birthplace or center of activity for many prominent scholars, poets, and rulers who left a deep imprint on the history of Central Asia.

• Mahmud al-Kashgari (11th century) — A prominent Turkic scholar, philologist, and lexicographer. Originally from Kashgar, he is the author of the monumental work "Diwan Lughat al-Turk" (Compendium of the Languages of the Turks) — the first encyclopedia of Turkic languages, culture, and folklore. His work is of enduring importance for the study of the history and linguistics of Turkic peoples.
• Yusuf Khass Hajib Balasaguni (11th century) — A famous poet, thinker, and statesman of the Karakhanid era. Although born in Balasagun, he completed his main poem "Kutadgu Bilig" ("The Wisdom of Royal Glory") in Kashgar and presented it to the local ruler. This work is considered one of the first pieces of Turkic Islamic literature. A mausoleum in honor of the poet is located in Kashgar.
• Satuq Bughra Khan (10th century) — The ruler of the Karakhanid state who was among the first Turkic khans to convert to Islam. His conversion in 934 became a turning point in the region's history, initiating the mass Islamization of the Turkic tribes of East Turkestan.
• Afaq Khoja (17th century) — An influential religious and political figure, leader of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. His power extended over the entire Kashgar region. The Mausoleum of Afaq Khoja, built in 1640, is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Xinjiang and a place of pilgrimage.
• Yaqub Beg (19th century) — A military commander and political leader who founded the state of Yettishar (Seven Cities) with its capital in Kashgar. From 1865 to 1877, he ruled an independent state that occupied an important place in the "Great Game" between the Russian and British empires.
• Marco Polo (13th century) — The famous Venetian merchant and traveler who visited Kashgar during his journey across Asia. In his "Book of the Marvels of the World," he left valuable descriptions of the city's thriving trade, crafts, and life, confirming its status as an important center on the Great Silk Road.