Xiying Mosque in Yuxi City

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Xiying Mosque (西营清真寺) is located in Xiying Village (西营村), Daying Township (大营乡), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It was originally built in the 36th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1697). The mosque suffered severe damage during the Cultural Revolution but was restored in 1979. It covers an area of 3.5 mu, with a main prayer hall of 300 square meters.

• Name: Xiying Mosque (西营清真寺)
• Location: Xiying Village (西营村), Daying Township (大营乡), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Postal Code: 653101
• Current Imam: Ma Youcun (马有存)
• Current Mosque Director: Ma Guangli (马光礼)

Historical Development

Initial Construction

Xiying Mosque was initially built in the 36th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1697), funded by enthusiastic Hui (回族) elders and merchants, who initiated the construction of the main prayer hall.

Renovations and Reconstruction

In the 58th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1793), renovation of the mosque began, and a minaret was added during the Jiaqing period. In the 4th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign (1878), the main hall was rebuilt. The mosque was severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution. In 1979, after the reinstatement of religious freedom, it underwent major restoration.

Architecture and Facilities

Xiying Mosque covers an area of 3.5 mu, with a 300-square-meter main prayer hall. After reconstruction, the mosque retained its original architectural style. It also houses a historical plaque inscribed with “Promote the Religion and Build the Nation” (兴教建国), a gift from Bai Chongxi (白崇禧) during the Republic of China period.

Community and Activities

The mosque community includes:

• 30 Ahongs (阿訇)
• 2 Mullahs (满拉)
• 13 mosque directors (学董)

There are 120 Hui (回族) households in the area, totaling 600 residents. Among them is a Hajj pilgrim, Zhang Liying (张丽英). Over the past ten years, with the support of the local Muslim community, the mosque has actively promoted education. It currently operates one Chinese-Arabic language class with more than 20 students. The instructor, Ma Fuchang (马福昌), is a knowledgeable and dedicated teacher.

Nine martyrs (Shuhada, 舍西德) from Xiying Village sacrificed their lives during the Cultural Revolution for their faith. March 16th is observed annually as the Martyrs’ Memorial Day in the village.

Location and Transportation

Xiying Mosque is located in Xiying Village (西营村), Daying Township (大营乡), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省).