Mahabat khan Mosque | Emblem of Mughals Architecture
Many great buildings have been built in the past that still exist today. One such building is a Mahabat khan Mosque in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This ancient and most famous mosque is located in the old city of Peshawar. Its remarkable monument of Mughal architecture and made with white marble.
It’s an amazing piece of our heritage and one of the most visited places in Peshawar. Your visit will be uncompleted without visiting this mosque. It is considered one of the greatest mosques constructed by Mughals. The marvellous architecture and majestic artwork make you surprised.
History of Mahabat khan Mosque
Mahabat khan Mosque was constructed in the 17th century (1630) in the name of ruling Governor Nawab Mahabat khan during the reigns of Shah Jahan and Orengzaib. The date of completion of this mosque is not clear, but most believe that it might have been completed in 1670. It was damaged in 1818 during the Sikh period. In 1849, it was restored during British rule and its restoration work continued in different periods.
Architecture and design
Mahabat khan Mosque is a perfect example of Mughal-style architecture. Its unique and different architecture looks so stunning. The Mosque is embellished with floral work and Islamic calligraphy. Its interior is really impressive that’s consists of uncountable colorful flowers, frescoes, and motifs just like the Wazir Khan Mosque or the Mariam Zamani Mosque in Lahore.
The arch of the mosque is also beautifully decorated. Old-style chandeliers are hanging on the ceiling. All the walls and domes of the mosque are decorated with carvings. The entire mosque looks very unique and beautiful.
It’s a rectangular shape Mosque that has 3 entrances. The top of the mosque is covered by three fluted domes, 6 small decorative towers, while the prayer hall is flanked by two tall minarets. The width of the pillars of the mosque is from 6 to 8 feet. There is a cool blue-tiled ablution pond in the middle of the courtyard with a row of rooms on either side. Its open courtyard is 35 meters long and about 30 meters wide. It has a capacity of more than 10 thousand worshipers.
It’s an awe-inspiring attraction for tourists, historians, and archaeologists. You find historical, spiritual, and cultural value. Every year, thousands of people pay their respect to this historical site and soak in the artistic construction of the Mughal era.
You may be interested to read Shah Faisal Mosque of Pakistan which is 5th largest mosque of the World.