SINO-ARABIC SCRIPT AND ARCHITECTURAL INSCRIPTIONS IN XI’AN GREAT MOSQUE, CHINA

Abstract

The Islamic art have played a significant role in the development of Muslim Chinese community in China, it was<br />developed through time in response to cultural needs of the minority Muslim groups in China. The Islamic<br />calligraphy was widely used in architecture, especially in interior and exterior decoration of mosques and<br />other religious buildings. The aim of this study is to interpret the Islamic art and architecture in China through<br />application of Sino-Arabic script on mosques and crafts produced by Muslim minority in China in relation to the<br />Islamic civilization and Chinese civilization, in order to suggest some guidelines for the preservation of this<br />forgotten Islamic heritage. To achieve the aim of this paper the Sino-Arabic inscriptions will be examined in<br />order to determine their characteristics and the nature of the effects to which they have been subjected. A<br />broad range of information was collected from various sources and through a field survey that was carried out<br />in Xi’an Great Mosque in China. The collected information from field work will be analyzed with particular<br />regard to the special character of Chinese Islamic art and architecture. This study is an attempt to address<br />the important topic of Islamic calligraphy and its application on architectural buildings in China as part of<br />issues of Islamic architectural heritage and its integration with local tradition that have been occurred in the<br />Muslim world and it is hoped that it is going to be a significant contribution to the subject of Islamic art and<br />architecture in China as well as revival and preservation of this forgotten heritage. Detailed conclusion will be<br />arrived at the end and specific suggestions are intended to assist in examining the topic in depth and helping in<br />developing guidelines for regional expansion and adaptation of Islamic art and architecture with local<br />environmental condition to contribute more for the future of Muslim heritage and civilization.