Kashgar (Kashi) Prefecture

The Tianshan Mountains cut Xinjiang Urgur Autonomous Region in two-the southern territory and the northern territory. Kashgar is located at the most western edge of the southern part. It is small, but richly exotic, and has kept its strong local flavor despite the passing of time. Tourists to Xinjiang are often advised not to miss Kashgar, for it is said: "You have not been to Xinjiang unless you have been to Kashgar." Everything there is attractive to outsides-the bustling free market, the mosques, the families to and for in their donkey carts, the men and women in their colorful embroidered caps. The streets and alleyways of Kashgar are alive with a blend of Eastern and nomadic cultures; tall, hooked-nosed men with high cheekbones and long beards, prayer caps, turbans and Cossack-style fur hats; some women's faces are covered by thick brown shawls.
As early as 2,000 years ago, Kashgar, covering an area of 138,744 square kilometres was an important stopover on the northern Silk Road. Seventeen ethnic minorities inhabit Kashgar. Of the total population of 3.34 million, more than 92 per cent are Uygurs, Islam, the dominant region of Kashgar, is widespread with more than 9,000 mosques, big and small. The oldest mosques were built 500 years ago. In recent years, about 200 Muslims, supported by the local government, have been to countries in the Middle East to take part in religious activities.