In the field of architecture, the two things which influenced most among Muslims are first the design of domes built on tombs and mosques. The shape of these domes were copied precisely from that of Chinese and Buddhist temples and pagodas, and second, the use of clear blue colour on tiles. In accordance with the official reports by the Chinese government, there are currently about 44 thousand mosques in China, the architecture of which remains Persian. In central and eastern parts of China, however, the minaret has grudually disappeared from the architecture of mosques, which are being consturcted with the outward appearance of pagodas. On their walls, Koranic verses are inscribed in Arabic letters. Inside the older mosques, their specifications including the dates of their construction and the names of the persons who ordered and financed their construction have been registered in Persian language.
It may be said that almost certainly mosques are among those nounuments which were built by Muslim Persians, following the spread of Islam in China. "Persian" mosque is one of the most important achievements of Persian Muslim civilization which has remained in China to this day. In general, it should be pointed out that: historical monuments and objects of art such as mosques, tablets, tomb-stones, epitaphs etc. represent the manifestaion of the vast and profound influence of Persian culture and language in China, which in turn, is due to the talent and strenuous activities of highly intelligent and efficient Persian individuals, who, with their authoritative characteristics and skills in politics and statesmanship, created such a great cultural and social movements in the Chinese society in past times.
Persian language history in China: Chapter 3
The Position of Persian
Language and Literature In China
The Influence of Persian Lanuage in China
According to the writings of tourists and explorers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Batute at the time the Silk Road was operative, the international commercial language in Chinese regions was Persian and there were special schools where the Persian language was taught. Furthermore, Persian language in China was the cultural and religious language of Muslim people who communicated with one another in that language. Even today, in seminaries and Islamic shools in China, students of Islamic sciences learn Persian language. Close relations existed between the peoples of Persia and China in various commercial, political and cultural fields. Persian men travelled to China, where they stayed in diffirent cities and often married Chinese girls, and thus they helped Persian language spread in different parts of China.
In the field of Chinese letters, judging by from the documents found in China early Chinese writings were made on bones, which, linguistic researches show, date back to Chang era. Some scholars believe that alphabet has entered China through Khorassan. Nevertheless, it is not yet precisely clear that when Persian language first entered China. It is, howver, quite clear that Persian language was among languages which have greatly and distinctly influenced the culture and language of Chinese people.
The need for knowing Persian language in China was so great that a Chinese-Persian Dictionary was compiled in China during the Ming dynasty. In religious fields in China, the Islamic tenets and law are taught with the help of a book in Persian language and in Chinese characters. The most important factors which contributed to the promotion and spread of Persian language in China are:
1 - The commercial relations between the two countries
2 - The immigration of scholars
3 - The establishment of embassies and diplomatic relations between China and Muslim countries, especially Persia and the imperial court of India.
4 - The Mogul invasion into Persia led by Chengiz Khan
5 - The rule of Mogul settlers.
Persian language history in China: Chapter 4
China in Persian Literature
It may be said with certainly that no people in the course of history have been more joyous than Chinese people. Poetry in Chine has a very long history behind it, but rather than being a land of poetry, China is a territory of philosophy, metaphysics, wisdom and thought. The language of Chinese people, in spite of its difficulty, is, like Persian language, a language of poetry.
Persian poets have described China as a centre of beauteous people, a land of musk, and a place of colourfoul and sweet-smelling flowers. Chinese mythology and epic legends are marvellously similar to Persian tales and epics. Chinese people have a long epic poem like our Shahnameh (Book of the Kings). The similarity between these two epic compositions are incredible and tremendously wonderful.
The difference, however, is the fates of the heroes and other characters. The most beautiful story about China and the Chinese written in Persian language is "Homay and Homayoon" by Khaju-ye Kermani the Persian poet, who was a contemporary to Hafez.
Center of Iranology and Persian Language
Today, several university centres are engaged in studying Persia and teaching Persian language and literature in the vast land of China. These centres are receive and enjoy supports from Chinese government. Occasionally, Iranian government gives assistance to them by sending Persian language professors, providing books and supplying instruction materials. The centres are:
1 - Persian Cultural Research Centre
2 - University of Peking's Persian language and Literature Department
3 - University of Luyan's Persian language Department
4 - Shanghai University's Persian Language and Literature Department.
5 - The Gathering of Persian Language and Literature Professors at Instruction of Teachers University of
China.
6 - Radio Peking's Persian Broadcast.
(Continued.....)