Written by: Syed Hamza Raza
Posted on: August 01, 2023 | 
| 中文
Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta, from the front side
In the heart of Thatta, Sindh, where the presence of a bygone ancient empire still pervades in the air, lies a majestic structure that is part of the history of the land, known as the Shah Jahan Mosque. A magnum opus of Mughal architecture, the site is considered one of the most intricately designed mosques in South Asia, with a unique blend of Islamic and Mughal influences consisting of minarets, floral patterns, and symmetry that all contribute to its one-of-a-kind style. We will discuss why this Mosque deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as our other famous historical monuments, and what exactly makes it so unique.
People pray in Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta (Picture from Makli Thatta Facebook page)
The Shah Jahan Mosque is in eastern Thatta, which was then the capital of the Samma Dynasty during the 16th and 17th century. What makes the site even more intriguing from a geographical point of view is that it is conveniently located next to one of the largest funerary sites in the world. The Makli necropolis spans an astounding 10 km and is, like the masjid, a world UNESCO heritage site. When delving into the history of the mosque, one can’t help but become more fascinated by its historical context. The mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a token of his appreciation for the people of the region, who were hospitable to him when he was seeking refuge from his father.
An aerial view of Shah Jahan Mosque
This tale on the origins of the mosque starts with the then Emperor Jahangir and his favorite wife Nur Jahan, who wanted her son-in-law to ascend to the throne after Jahangir. Jahangir was getting influenced, and so out of anger, Shah Jahan revolted against his father, which resulted in his defeat. Alone and banished by his father Emperor Jahangir, a devasted Shah Jahan went to the desolate and sandy plains of Thatta, a place that was rarely ever visited by any Mughal Emperor. After arriving in Thatta, the residents of the area greeted him with open arms and welcomed him as one of their own. After three years, Jahangir and Shah Jahan were reconciled, and Shah Jahan departed from Thatta. When Emperor Jehangir died in 1627 after an internal battle for power, Shah Jahan took his place as the ruler of the richest empire in the world. The coast of Sindh was hit by a destructive cyclone in 1637, which destroyed Thatta entirely. Shah Jahan had not forgotten the hospitality that the people of Thatta had offered him in his difficult time. As an expression of gratitude to the people of Thatta, he ordered the construction of the Jamia Mosque in Thatta, which is now known as the Shah Jahan Mosque.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Alongside the Mosque’s interesting history, the architectural splendor of the historical building needs to be mentioned. The Shah Jahan Mosque is a living example of Mughal architecture, which is defined by its grandeur, elegance and near perfect symmetry. The mosque is organized entirely using red brick and embellished with blue tiles, giving it a distinct appearance. The structure consists of 100 domes, the largest number in Pakistan, with 6 big domes, while the remaining domes are smaller in comparison. It also has 33 arches and does not have a single minaret. The foundation of the mosque itself is 12ft–15ft deep and contains a total of five entrances. Furthermore, the mosque has the capacity to host 20,000 people at a time. What most students of history and architecture will notice is that the Shah Jahan Mosque’s architectural style is largely inspired by the Turkic and Persian styles. The mosque’s detailed brickwork and the use of blue tiles are both directly influenced by the Timurid architectural styles found in Central Asia.
Shah Jahan Mosque's exquisite exterior
In 1993, the mosque was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which helped to further raise its cultural significance. However, the sad reality is that it is seldom given the level of attention it deserves and is rarely mentioned in the same breath as other South Asian monuments. Despite tourism from other parts of Sindh, like Karachi, and several reconstruction projects, there is still much work to be done to preserve and publicize this cultural/religious heritage site. As an avid consumer of South Asian history, I believe this landmark should be included in the list of the more prominent Pakistani cultural monuments, and in the future more people will learn to admire its sheer brilliance. It is a timeless sanctuary with tales of a powerful past, ready to cast its spell upon all those who wish to wander through its ancient halls.
The intricate design of Shah Jahan Mosque's doom
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