All images were taken in and around the Muslim District of 'Niu Jie' in central Beijing during October and November 2005, unless otherwise stated.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Islam has been a presence in China for nearly 800 years. The initial contacts with Islam came about much earlier, however. Beginning in the 7th century, Muslim traders traveled to the Middle Kingdom via the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean.

Islam was not able to establish itself permanently until during the Mongol dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries, however, and the relationship between Muslims and Chinese rulers proved to be extremely changeable. Whereas some emperors encouraged Muslim immigration, others brutally oppressed Muslims. During the Ching dynasty alone (1644 – 1911), five wars were waged against Muslims in China.

The most severe repression of Islam in China by far took place during the Chinese cultural revolution. Under Mao's slogan "Destroy the old world and build a new one," Islam, like all other religions, was ruthlessly suppressed. During this period, almost all mosques and Islamic institutions were destroyed or desecrated and all of the clergy eliminated.

Since then, the situation has changed dramatically. According to observers, Islam is enjoying a modest renaissance in China. Information on the number of Muslims in China varies considerably, however, since no reliable statistics are available. Estimates range from 20 to 130 million Muslims, the majority of whom live in western China. The number of mosques is currently estimated at around 30,000.

Two large ethnic groups in China profess Islam: the Uighurs, who live in the province of Xinjiang, and the Hui, who are dispersed throughout the entire country. Ethnically, the Uighurs are not Chinese but a Turkic people. The Hui, on the other hand, are ethnically and linguistically similar to the Han Chinese, but differ from them in their religion.

One area of conflict concerns the efforts of Muslim Uighurs in the northwestern part of the country to achieve independence. Because the Chinese government fears a spread of the separatist movement to other provinces, it is taking a hard line against the rebels. During the war on terror, Peking tried to establish a link between the Muslim rebels and international terrorism.

Nevertheless, Muslims in China now have the right to practice their religion freely. Although the government insists on its regulatory function – the training of imams can only be carried out by state-approved schools – it does not prevent Muslims from following their beliefs.

After a long period of time during which the world at large was scarcely aware of the Muslims in China, their importance in global politics is now recognized. The development of Islam in China, which is currently experiencing breathtaking growth, politically as well as economically, will be of great interest to the global community in the future.

Sean Gallagher & Ingmar Kreisl

© Sean Gallagher/Qantara.de 2006

Translated from the German by Phyllis Anderson

Currently based in the United Kingdom, Sean Gallagher is a freelance photojournalist specialising in travel and documentary photography.

He has recently finished a 1-year placement at the prestigious photojournalism agency Magnum Photos in their London office. His current photographic projects stem from his interests in global conservation and environmental issues. His most recent work focuses mainly on social issues in Asia, with specific emphasis on China.

Website Sean Gallagher