THE INITIAL ARCHITECTURAL SHAPE OF THE GUANGTA MINARET: TEXTUAL AND ARCHITECTURAL STUDY

Abstract

In Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, stands one of China's oldest mosques, the Huaisheng Mosque. Its initial construction occurred in 627 during the Tang Dynasty during the reign of Taizong (627-649). The Guangta minaret of the mosque is one of the oldest surviving examples of Chinese Islamic architecture in mainland China. It is a vivid example that testifies to trade and economic relations between China in the east and the Islamic world in the west. To achieve its aims; the study relies on several methodologies; the historical approach, the descriptive approach, and the critical deductive approach. The study seeks to limit and follow the historical texts it referred to and also aims to explore the initial architecture of the minaret. In addition, this study attempts to compare and, at times, refute these historical texts to determine the date of their construction based on the historical texts. The architectural form of the Guangta raises many questions and draws attention. Based on the limited historical evidence about the minaret, this study presents some ideas and theories on its initial form and architectural elements. The study also provides a hypothetical record of its original architecture during the Tang Dynasty, which was recorded as the era of construction.

Keywords

• mosque
• guangzhou
• minaret
• fanar
• islamic architecture
• guangta
• huaisheng