Pakistan’s rich culture is reflected in the architecture of its historically significant mosques. Whether it’s Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque or the lavishly decorated Mahabat Khan Mosque of Peshawar, each building is unique and beautiful in their own right.
One of the oldest mosques in Rawalpindi city, the Markazi Jamia Masjid, is a marvellous example of architectural triumph. The mosque is embellished with fine art and intricate tile work and detailed frescos in vibrant colours which have stood the test of time.
Sadly, the mosques exterior has deteriorated over the years; however the interior is still splendid. Construction of Jamia Masjid began in 1903 under orders of Afghanistan’s exiled prince, Shah Muhammad Ayub Shiraz Haider, and was completed in 1905. Maulana Muhammad Makrani was appointed as its first khateeb.
The first Friday prayer was led by Syed Mahmood Shah which was also attended by the pir of Golra Sharif.
The Jamia Masjid symbolises the culture and people of Pakistan. Located amidst old houses on the Jamia Street, it is a ‘must see’ attraction of Pindi. A large number of tourists visit the mosque each year.
The rich art work that consists of bold and graceful mosaic further adds to the beauty of the mosque. The interior of the mosque had been untouched ever since its construction. The walls are decorated with verses from the Holy Quran and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The mosque has a total of 12 minarets of different sizes along with three domes. It is one of the few mosques in the region which replicated traditional Mughal architecture. It also has a unique feature that a cleric or any other person speaking at one end of the mosque can be heard at the other end.
I personally believe that buildings like these are a part of our culture that should be preserved for coming generations. Accountable management that receives government and private funds should be appointed to oversee maintenance and restoration work.
The writer is a social and political activist based in Lahore. He has done his Maters and MPhil in Communication Studies.He can be reached at [email protected], tweets at Salmani_salu. The pictures have been provided by Abdullah Khan.
Published in Daily Times, August 17th 2018.