Emin Minaret

Emin Minaret is located 2 kilometers east of Turpan, and near the ancient Uygur capital of Gaochang and the cave temples of Bezeklik along the ancient Silk Road. It is the largest ancient tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic tower among the hundred famous towers in China.
In 1777, the Minaret was built to commemorate the heroic Turpan general, Emin Khoja, who was the main leader of Turpan and titled by Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) for his patriotic loyalty.
The tapering shape minaret is 44-meter high with the base of 10-meter in diameter and a small Islamic dome at the top. It has no stories but the waves, flowers, rhombuses etc.. 15 different patterns which made of bricks are on the surface of the minaret, which made it looks pristine but dignified. There are two steles at the entrance to the minaret, the one in Chinese inscription explains the purpose of building the minaret, while the other in the Uigur inscription gave thanks to Allah. A brick-piled pillar with 72 steps spiraling to the top is in the center of the minaret. 14 openings for ventilation and lighting are in different directions and heights.