Historical Mosque Restored to Glory in AJK
Iftikhar Ahmad
Multan: In a significant achievement for heritage conservation, a mosque with deep historical ties to renowned Sufi poet Hazrat Mian Muhammad Bakhsh has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur at Samwal Sharif village, Mirpur district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The mosque, which also served as a school for the iconic poet, is now a testament to the region’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.
Malik Ghulam Muhammad, a conservation expert with a distinguished career in the Archaeology Department of Punjab, led the restoration project, which was completed in June 2024 after 18 months of careful work.
The initiative, funded by philanthropist Haji Abul Rasheed, was carried out at a cost of Rs 10.45 million and returned the mosque to its former splendor.
The mosque’s history, however, has stirred curiosity. While an introductory plaque at the site indicated that the mosque was built in 1730 AD, the unique size of bricks used in the mosque’s minarets suggests it might be even older.
Malik Ghulam Muhammad noted that the minarets, constructed with 6”x4”x1” bricks, bear a strong resemblance to those used during the reign of Sher Shah Suri (1486-1540 AD), suggesting that the mosque could be closer to five centuries old.
This discovery challenges the previously accepted date of construction, opening new discussions on the mosque’s origins.
According to Malik, the size of the bricks used during different periods in Muslim rule varies. For instance, the bricks from the Sher Shah Suri period match those found in structures like the shrine of Mir Chakar Khan Rind and various mosques along GT Road, further solidifying the historical significance of this mosque.
The mosque’s main structure, built with stones, and the replacement of the damaged minarets with specialized bricks, represent a harmonious blend of old and new conservation techniques.
The mosque is particularly special for its connection to Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, a revered Punjabi and Pahari poet famous for works like Sayful Malook and Mirza Sahiban.
As a young boy, Bakhsh received his early religious education at this mosque, where he studied the sciences of Hadith. His legacy is enshrined in the mosque, not only as a place of learning but also as the site of his funeral prayers, led by Hafiz Mateeh Ullah, the mosque’s Imam.
Architecturally, the mosque is a rectangular structure with three domes, the largest being in the center. Its unique design is enhanced by intricate fresco work on both the interior and exterior, as well as geometrical motifs that were painstakingly restored using glazed lime plaster.
The mosque’s minarets, once missing, have been rebuilt to their original form, while the damaged pinnacles on the domes have also been replaced.
One of the more complex restoration tasks involved the mosque’s roof, which had been raised multiple times, altering its original proportions. The parapet wall, now restored to its original height, has been reinforced with a lime terrace to safeguard against the elements.
The mosque’s conservation is a crucial contribution to preserving the cultural heritage of the region. It not only celebrates the legacy of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh but also stands as a symbol of the commitment to preserving the architectural beauty of AJK’s historical landmarks.
As this mosque stands proudly once again in Samwal Sharif, it reflects the vision of both its generous benefactor and the dedicated conservation experts who ensured its survival for future generations to appreciate.
The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.
