The Evolution of the Spatial Distribution Pattern of Mosques in the Kashgar Region from 1955 to 2004

The spatial differences in the distribution of mosques reflect to a certain extent diversity interaction between natural and human elements Islamic beliefs different geographic spaces. Kashgar region Xinjiang is one most developed regions culture China, its dominant religion Islam, survival has long history. development Islam region, after founding People’s Republic was influenced by religious policy Chinese Socialism, changed significantly. However, pattern features that had been especially indicated transformations practice on impacted geographical conditions social factors less explored. Based Religious Digital Map dataset provided China Information Center at University Michigan, mathematical statistics analyses are used analyze from 1955 2004, causes characteristics context historical background study period. results show that, during period, clustering occurred mainly northwestern central parts region. In all districts counties, number increased there growing gap mosques. area well trend spatially concentrated increasing. mostly clustered areas with gentle terrain, rivers dense population. terms affecting population were underlying set basic for location addition, effects factors, such as improvement productivity, administrative system, management policies, led variation thus causing changes area. period 1976 1992, example, end Cultural Revolution shift China’s foreign very major impact so this varied This research implications learning about spread mosques, variations.