Photos from Ningxia reveal Muslim culture in 1936
Historical photos showing scenes from the Ningxia Hui autonomous region in 1936 put on display on July 30 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Yinchuan.
The photographer, Claude L. Pickens, Jr, was a missionary from the United States, who came to China nearly 100 years ago with other foreign missionaries to preach and investigate Muslim culture. His photos could provide valuable materials for historical studies.
On June 4, 1936, Pickens arrived in Yinchuan, Ningxia, on June 4, 1936.
"The city is much larger than I had imagined, with streets wider than those of Xi'an," Claude wrote in his diary, making a comparison with the capital of Shaanxi province. "There are two pagodas in Yinchuan. The western one is a landmark for the last 25 miles to the city."
During the trip, Pickens photographed construction projects in Ningxia, including the Huangqu Bridge, Chengtian Temple Tower and Yuhuang Pavilion.
His photos were a part of a broader exhibition, titled Xibeiwang, which displayed images of Northwest China from 1870 to the contemporary era. The works included photos from news reports and research into the geographical, social, ethnic and religious customs and traditions of the region.
Feng Xiaojie in Beijing contributed to this story.
