China: Emin Minaret and mosque, Turpan, Xinjiang Province. The Emin Minaret or Imin Ta is 44 metres (144 ft) high and is the tallest minaret in China. The minaret was started in 1777 during the reign of the Qing Emperor Qianlong (1735-1796) and was completed only one year later. It was financed by local leaders and built to honor the exploits of a local Turpan general, Emin Khoja, hence the name 'Emin'. The Turpan Oasis was a strategically significant centre on Xinjiang’s Northern Silk Route, site of the ancient cities of Yarkhoto (Jiaohe) and Karakhoja (Gaochang).

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Size: 3328px × 5122px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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