Mosques are one valuable piece of architecture because they hold immense religious sentiments. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan proudly hosts multiple mosques that are also priceless historical assets.
These mosques are exemplary embodiments of the architecture expressed by the many dynasties and kingdoms in the region at different times in history. Let’s delve into the most famous mosques in Pakistan and their historical importance!
Badshahi Mosque
One cannot quite possibly omit this mosque from the list of exceptional Mughal architecture and a mosque that can accommodate 95,000 worshippers daily.
The translation of the name of the mosque is quite literally known as the King’s Mosque. Situated in Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque is one of the most famous mosques in Pakistan and the world. The mosque’s historical importance is relative to the fact that it was built during the Mughal Era in 1673 by Emperor Nawab Zain Yar Jang Bahadur.
The mosque is also situated right next to a Gurudwara, the temple made for worship for the Sikhs, and that one was built during the Reign of Ranjeet Singh. The details of the mosque lie in the intricate detailing and the maroon brick red layout of the mosque.
Even today, as the worshipping place of Muslims and Sikhs, is allocated side by side, thousands of worshippers pray there in harmony. The mosque was the largest in the world up until 300 years after its formation of the mosque.
Wazir Khan Mosque
This mosque is another magnificent emblem of Mughal architecture based in Lahore. The historic Delhi Gate in Lahore is where this mosque is found and has striking domes encapsulating the eye.
The mosque’s interior and exterior are covered with intricate detailing and bright colors. The principal pattern noted at the mosque is that of mosaics. The calligraphy within the mosque is also breathtaking – painted with precision and adorned with floral designs. This mosque invites hundreds of visitors per day for the sake of conjoined prayer in the love of their Creator.
Historically, this mosque was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal in India for his wife. Shah Jahan’s era produced many fine pieces of Mughal architecture, and one of them is also the Wazir Khan Mosque.
Shah Jahan Mosque
Right in the heart of Sindh and just a few miles away from Karachi, this mosque is located in Thatta, and the Shah Jahan Mosque is named after the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan himself.
The mosque was built in the 17th century and still stands strong today, inviting many tourists and visitors from all around the country. The key attraction of the mosque is its 93 domes of it.
The mosque is massive and stretches across a long landscape. This mosque is said to be a gift from Shah Jahan to the people of Thatta for the sake of their hospitality. The mosque’s architecture also causes the prayer to be echoed throughout the mosque, adding a unique touch.
Mahabat Khan Mosque
Based in Peshawar, this mosque is ancient. This beautiful and simplistic mosque was built in the 17th century and is currently in the city of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Most are small, although it holds significant significance because of their archaic age and the visitors attracted to the mosque.
The size of the mosque does not matter, nor does it matter that it is straightforward; instead, the locals of Peshawar have grown fond of it and have hence taken good care of it.
Faisal Mosque
One of the most famous mosques in Pakistan and the world, the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is the epitome of the Pakistan-Saudi friendship.
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was the one who gifted this mosque to Pakistan, and since then, it has been etched in history. Indefinitely, it is not as archaic and old as the other mosques that have fallen on this list, but it holds immense significance. It will be remembered in history as a sign of friendship between two Muslim ally countries.
The Faisal Mosque calls thousands of visitors every day, and it is a sight that cannot be ignored if one is in the city of Islamabad. White marble work and a mosque that stretches across, men, women, and children all come to the place in the union of prayer and participate thoroughly in congregational prayer. The mosque is also usually packed on occasions like Eid and Fridays.