Mohabat Khan Mosque: A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
APP
Peshawar: Peshawar has long been a strategic city where invaders and rulers constructed places of worship to freely practice their faith and leverage the religious sentiments of the local population to consolidate their rule.
Serving as a gateway to the subcontinent and Central Asian Republics (CARs), Peshawar attracted kings, warriors, and invaders who built mosques, churches, and gurdwaras at prime locations. These structures not only facilitated worship but also played a significant role in shaping public opinion before rulers extended their influence deeper into the subcontinent.
Muslim commanders and kings of various dynasties, arriving through the historic Khyber Pass from CARs and Afghanistan, first settled in Peshawar, where they built numerous mosques and places of worship to foster interfaith harmony and unite people of different faiths.
“Recent excavations at Gor Khatri have revealed that Islam first spread in the border areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan following the establishment of the Ghaznavi dynasty by Sabuktigin in 977 AD in Central Afghanistan,” said Bakhtzada Muhammad, Senior Research Officer at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department.
Following Sabuktigin’s untimely demise and a revolt against his son Ismail, Mehmud Ghaznavi took control of the Ghaznavi kingdom and expanded his influence into Punjab after defeating Raja Jayapala of the Kabul Shahis at the Battle of Peshawar in 1001 AD. Consequently, Islam gained strong roots in Bannu, Waziristan, Khyber, and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the construction of numerous mosques.
“An inscription in Arabic, engraved on black marble, discovered in 1984 at the foot of Raja Gira’s castle in Swat, authenticated the foundation of the historic Odigram Mosque, also known as Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi Mosque, built in 1048 CE on the orders of General Amir Nustagin of Ghaznavi. The mosque continues to attract worshippers, particularly during Ramadan,” he added.
Over the centuries, Muslim rulers constructed numerous other mosques, including the historic Yakagund Mosque in Mohmand district, Sheikh Habib Mosque (1650) in Bala Manari, and Gunj Gate Mosque (also known as Khawja Maroof Mosque), which was established in Peshawar approximately 600 years ago.
Historical Significance
After conquering Peshawar, the Mughal rulers initiated the construction of the iconic Mohabat Khan Mosque between 1660 and 1670 under the governorship of Nawab Mohabat Khan. An exquisite example of Islamic and Mughal architecture, a portion of the mosque was built under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, while the majority of the construction was completed under the rule of Aurangzeb Alamgir, featuring intricate white marble embellishments.
The mosque was finally completed in 1680 and later underwent renovations in 1898 following damage during Sikh rule. When the British took control of Peshawar in 1849, they renovated the mosque and returned it to the people of Peshawar for worship. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Afghan tribal elders gathered at the mosque to foster unity against Soviet forces.
In 1982, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government declared Mohabat Khan Mosque a historical site and transferred its administration to the Auqaf Department.
Architectural Grandeur
Located on an elevated mound in Andar Sher Bazaar near historic Chowk Yadgar, the mosque spans 30,155 square feet and accommodates approximately 30,000 worshippers. Its spacious courtyard features a centrally located ablution pool and a single row of rooms lining the exterior walls. Two towering minarets further enhance its grandeur.
The prayer hall facade boasts six smaller decorative minarets flanking five arched entryways, two additional minarets, and three striking domes that captivate visitors. The ceiling is adorned with elegant red frescoes showcasing geometric and floral motifs, while the exterior is embellished with intricate Mughal frescoes that amplify its beauty.
“Mohabat Khan Mosque is the identity of Peshawar, renowned for its unique architecture and rich history. For the past 15 years, I have been visiting this mosque for Friday prayers, Taraweeh, and Mahfil-e-Shabina during Ramadan. The spiritual environment elevates the worship experience,” said Haseeb Khan, a resident of Peshawar.
Despite its historical and architectural significance, commercial encroachments have compromised the mosque’s exterior aesthetics. Shopkeepers renting spaces from the Auqaf Department have expanded their shops illegally, digging small cabins and obstructing the mosque’s entrance and surroundings.
Additionally, the construction of unauthorized large plazas and shops around the mosque has negatively impacted its architectural integrity. Concerned citizens have demanded the removal of these illegal structures to restore the mosque’s original splendor.
Recently, extensive conservation work has been carried out on the minarets, domes, ablution area, and other sections without altering its architectural design. The restoration efforts have significantly improved the mosque’s aesthetic appeal and enhanced facilities for thousands of worshippers, particularly during Ramadan.
Mohabat Khan Mosque remains a jewel of Peshawar, attracting tourists and archaeology enthusiasts from across the country, standing as a testament to the city’s rich Islamic heritage and architectural brilliance.
