Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) in Turpan, Xinjiang, China

December 1969 Issue

Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) in Turpan, Xinjiang, China

“The Tower for Showing Gratitude to Eminhojaat” is the long name for what’s more commonly known as the Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) in Turpan, Xinjiang, China. Along with the Uyghur Mosque next to it, it was built starting in 1777 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. To this day, it is the tallest minaret in China (144 feet). General Emin Khoja (whom the tower was built to honor) must have been pleased.

We hope JOHN HASEMAN of Grand Junction, Colorado, is pleased to have won the drawing from among the 17 correct answers sent in. And our gratitude goes to Nell Q. McCombs of Ventura, California, for sending us the picture, but she’ll have to be happy with just a “Thank you,” as we’re fresh out of towers.