The Exhibit

Discover the rich history of Islamic communities in China with selections from the Harvard-Yenching Library. Among the 18th-century works on display, you will find descriptions of traditional dress for Chinese Hui Muslims and interpretations of Islamic ideals using Confucian texts. Highlights include two historical texts: Genealogy from the West (西來宗譜), which explores Islamic missionary work in China dating back to the Tang dynasty, and The Origins of Muslims (回回原來), which delves into the unofficial history and folklore of Hui Muslims. Additionally, you can view contemporary photographs capturing the vibrant life of Muslim communities, mosques, and celebrations in 21st-century China. 

This exhibit was curated by Sadiya Gurhan


Planning to Visit?

Harvard-Yenching Library is open to ID holders. Please see Harvard Library's Visitor Access Page or contact us for the most up-to-date information about visiting the library.

Persons with disabilities who would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact us.