Chaqchan Mosque

The Chaqchan Mosque (Urdu: مسجد چقچن‎; meaning “The Miraculous Mosque”[1]) is a mosque in the city of Khaplu, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. Dating from 1370, the mosque is one of the oldest in the region, and dates from the time when the area's populace converted en masse from Buddhism to Islam.[2][3] The mosque shares similar architecture as those built in the Kashmir Valley.[4] It is a perfect blend of Tibetan, Mughal and Persian style of architecture.[5]

Chaqchan Mosque
مسجد چقچن
Chaqchan Mosque Front View from the Courtyard
Religion
AffiliationNoorbakshia Islam
Location
LocationKhaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Location in Pakistan
Geographic coordinates35.156062°N 76.330582°E / 35.156062; 76.330582
Architecture
TypeMosque
StyleTibetan, Mughal and Persian
Date established1370 AD
Capacity500 (including adjoining verandah)

History

According to some sources the mosque was built by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani[6] while other say on arrival of Sufi saint Syed Nurbakhsh from Kashmir to Baltistan, the local ruling Raja accepted Islam and commissioned the building of the mosque[7] in 1370 CE. However, the dating of the latter theory contradicts historical source which suggests that the mosque was actually constructed more than two decade before the birth of Syed Nurbakhsh.

Conservation

The Government of Pakistan has listed the Chaqchan Mosque as a Pakistan Heritage Site. The mosque is now currently in use after extensive conservation works.

Architecture

Architecturally, the mosque is a perfect blend of Tibetan, Mughal and Persian styles,[8][9] and consists of a two-story cubic complex: Semi-basement, ground floor with a turret atop. The perimetral walls of the cubic structure are composed of wooden slabs stacked to form a frame with its void spaces daubed with clay or mud that is in fact this technology is similar to the Roman opus craticum technique. This method of construction is one of the oldest known for making a weatherproof structures and it is also suitable for harsh winter conditions.[10][11]

  • The mosque's interior with extensive woodwork
  • View over the valley from the mosque
  • Chaqchan Mosque's Arches
  • The mosque's exterior
  • Chaqchan Mosque around 1st decade of 19 century
  • The mosque's decorated mihrab
  • Portion of the decorated ceiling
  • Almost all surfaces of the mosque's interior, including its ceiling, are decorated
  • Interior decorations make use of vibrant colours
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See also
  • Amburik Mosque

References
  1. Shahzad Bashir (2003). Messianic Hopes and Mystical Visions: The Nåurbakhshåiya Between Medieval. ISBN 9781570034954.
  2. "Chaqchan Mosque (Ghanche)".
  3. History of baltistan ,Hassan nurbakshi
  4. Asimov, Muchammed Sajfiddinoviĉ (1992). History of Civilizations of Central Asia (vol.4,part-2). Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 9788120815964.
  5. Jajja, Sumiera (2001). Khaplu — off the beaten path. Dawn News.
  6. History and Culture of Baltistan,Hassan Hasrat
  7. Afridi, Banat Gul (1988). baltistan in history.
  8. Khan, Omar Mukhtar (10 May 2018). "With a historic fort and Unesco-protected mosque, Shigar is an ideal short escape in Gilgit-Baltistan". DAWN.COM.
  9. Jajja, Sumaira (27 July 2014). "Khaplu — off the beaten path". DAWN.COM.
  10. Two Oldest Mosques of Sub-continent
  11. Ghanche is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan
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