Pakistan being situated at a crossroad of different civilizations, has been a place where different cultures mingled and sometimes clashed for dominance. This interaction between civilizations left some amazing imprints on the arts, culture and architecture of the region. Among many such historic sites and landmarks of Pakistan, Badshahi mosque stands out as one of the most iconic landmarks of Pakistan, It is situated in Lahore, a historic cultural centre of the subcontinent and the capital city of Pakistan's province of Punjab.
Badshahi mosque is located in the west of Lahore fort along the outskirts of the city. The mosque is a grand display of intricate mughal architecture and carved floral designs, it was built by emperor Aurangzeb in 1671. It took two years to complete the construction of the mosque. It remains the largest mosque of Mughal era and the second largest mosque of Pakistan.
Badshahi mosque's full name is Masjid Abul Zafar Muhy-ud-Din Mohammad Alamgir Badshah Ghazi. Designed by famed Mughal architect Nawab Zain Yar Jang Bahadur, the mosque has impressive architecture, exterior is decorated with carved red sandstone with marble inlay, The mosque's gateway faces east towards the Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort, The mosque and its vast courtyard are raised upon a platform which is approached from the east by a handsome flight of 22 steps, an upstanding and elegant gateway of traditional Mughal type. The entrance which is an impressive double storey edifice is decorated with framed and carved panelling on all its facades, gateway itself contains several chambers which are not accessible to the public. One of the rooms contains the hair, turban and other relics used by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa "Sallal La Ho Alaihe Wa Aalehi Wasalam" and that of his companions.
After passing through the impressive gate, there is a massive sandstone courtyard spread over an area of 276 thousand square feet and which can accommodate one hundred thousand worshipers when functioning as Eidgah. The courtyard is enclosed by single aisled arcades. Prayer hall is built from red sandstone and is decorated with white marble inlay. Interior and exterior of the prayer hall is embellished with interlacing designs and flowers with their spidery tendrils treated in bold relief, it is a unique work of unsurpassed beauty and workmanship in Mughal architecture. The mosque can accommodate 10000 worshipers in the prayer hall.
The mosque has three marble domes, the largest of which is located in the centre of the mosque, and which is flanked by two smaller domes. At each four corners of the mosque there are octagonal three storey minarets made of red sandstone that are 196 feet tall with an outer circumference of 67 feet each. Each minaret is topped by a marble canopy. There are additional four smaller minarets at each corner of the main building.
The carvings at the interior and exterior of Badshahi mosque are considered to be uniquely fine art works of Mughal architecture, which reflects the grandeur of the great Mughal dynasty. Badshahi mosque is a must visit place. This 17th century architecture will surely leave you spellbound with its beauty and elegance.
Superb
ReplyDeleteThank you
Delete