Dunganen Mosque

In the middle of Karakol stands a building that is unique in its form and significance. The mosque of the Dungans, a group of Chinese Muslims, shines in various colors and shapes and nowadays offers Muslims of all origins a place to pray.

Originally, the Dungans come from the eastern part of China. However, at the end of the 19th century, due to the uprising against the Qing Dynasty, they were forced to leave their homeland and flee to eastern areas of the then Russian Empire. As a result, numerous communities emerged in Central Asia and so around Karakol. Although the culture of the Dungans, like so many others, was suppressed during periods of communism in the Soviet Union, their cuisine gradually achieved nationwide fame and is still a favorite today.

After their arrival in Karakol, the Dungans built a very special Mosque. The colorful Chinese-style building looks more like a Buddhist temple than a mosque and thus testifies to the culture of the Dungans in times before their Islamic influence. Rumor has it that the entire construction was completed without the use of a single nail, and that stability is only ensured by components that have been stuck together. During the war in the last century the mosque was used as a warehouse and probably because of that it was the only one of the nine mosques in Karakol at that time that was not destroyed. From 1929 to 1947, praying in the premises was not allowed, before the administration was given back to the Dungans after the war. Until today, the community takes care of the preservation of the place of worship, which is now also protected by Kyrgyz law.

The mosque is located in the city of Karakol and is within easy walking distance. Female visitors do not always seem to be welcome inside the mosque and headscarves are provided. However, according to previous visitors, at least one look inside the mosque should be possible at all times.

Kyrgyzstan is rich in culture and history. On our Kyrgyzstan trip you get a deep insight into local life.