Mosques
The Badshahi Mosque:
The gateway of the Old Fort opens towards the courtyard of the Badshahi
Mosque, which is one of the largest in the world. The amazing symmetry
of the three giant white marble domes capping the many arches of the mosque
is a marvel of harmony in masonry. A vast courtyard, characteristic of
Mughal architecture, is bounded on all corners by four towering minarets
of red sandstone. Near a flight of steps leading to the courtyard is the
Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal, the great philosopher-poet who first conceived
the idea of Pakistan. In the rooms above the entrance gate (not open to
public there is some hair of the Prophet Mohammad and other relics of his
daughter and son-in-law.
Sonehri (Golden) Mosque:
Among the large number of Lahore mosques, which are admired for their splendor
and beauty, the Sonehri Masjid (the Golden Mosque) is quite prominent.
This medium-size mosque has survived the vicissitudes of history and has
maintained its unique position as a specimen of splendid architecture along
with the gleaming attire of its goldplated domes. Located almost in the
heart of the walled city, where several Gates of the city converge, it
continues to attract a large number of Pakistani and foreign tourists towards
its beauty. Originally known as Tilayee Masjid, the mosque with its elevated
and imposing gateway, and the minarets, was built under the supervision
of Mir Syed Bikhari Khan, the chief administrative (Nazim) of Mir Mueenul
Mulk better known in history as Mir Munnoo who was the Vice Governor of
the Punjab appointed by King Muhammad Shah.
Built in 1163 A.H. at an elevated plinth level of one-story, it has
three large domes and several small minarets whose tops are covered with
goldpiated sheets. The job of gold-Plating was carried out with such expertise
that even after 240 years its sheen is as bright as ever. When it rains
and the domes are washed; by its water, the luster and radiance produced
by the interaction of the Sun's rays are simply dazzling to the eye.
The main building of the mosque, which included a small courtyard and
a pond for ablution, is still very strong, as it has withheld pressures
despite the constant erosion of time. Its high foundations have a lot to
do with its structural strength and durability.
Wazir Khan's Mosque:
Rightly described as the chief architectural ornament of Lahore. Wazir
Khan's Mosque is a monument of surpassing beauty and elegance. It represents
a most beautiful example in tile, mosaic works and fresco paintings. A
lot of Persian designing and coloration has been applied in this Mosque.
The most interesting is the setting of detached pieces of colored pottery
in different designs. It was founded in 1634 AD by Sheikh llm-ud-Din Ansari
popularly known as Wazir Khan. He was the royal physician and was raised
to the dignity of Viceroy of the Punjab. This Mosque is situated inside
the Delhi gate.
Dai Anga's Mosque:
Dai Anga or Wet nurse, whose real name was Zebunnisa was a wet nurse of
Shah Jehan and was respected in the royal house. She built this Mosque
in 1635 AD from the money collected from her lands. This Mosque is the
only surviving monument reflecting a decent and chaste work in the refined
enameled mosaic work of the Moghul designing in architecture. It is situated
near the Railway Station. Her tomb is situated behind the Gulabi Bagh.
Other Mosques:
Worth visiting besides the ones mentioned already are the Masjid-e-Shohada
situated in Regal Chowk, the Mall and The Data Darbar Mosque situated on
Data Ganj Buksh's Shrine, near Bhati Chowk.
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