Wazir Khan Mosque

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Wazir Khan Mosque, located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, is a 17th-century Mughal mosque that has been an integral part of the city's cultural and architectural heritage for centuries. Construction on the mosque began in 1634 under Emperor Shahhan's regime and was completed in 1641.

The mosque is situated approximately 260 meters west of the Delhi Gate, where the Shahi Hammam is located. It is also close to Wazir Khan's residence, which owned substantial amounts of property near the Delhi Gate. In fact, Wazir Khan commissioned the construction of the mosque in 1634 to enclose the tomb of Miran Badshah, a revered Sufi saint whose tomb now lies within the mosque's courtyard.

The mosque replaced the older Maryam Zamani Mosque as Lahore's main mosque for congregational Friday prayers. Its design and architecture reflect the Mughal era's blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian influences. The outer perimeter measures 279 feet (85 m) by 159 feet (48 m), with its long axis parallel to the Shahi Guzargah.

The main prayer hall features a square pavilion over which the mosque's largest dome rests, showcasing a characteristic Persian architectural element known as Char Taq, also found in the Alhambra of Spain and various imperial mosques in Iran. The low domes above the prayer hall reflect the style of the earlier Lodi dynasty, which ruled Lahore before the Mughal era.

The mosque was part of a larger complex that included a row of shops traditionally reserved for calligraphers and bookbinders, as well as the town square in front of the mosque's main entrance. The mosque also rented space to other types of merchants on its northern and eastern facades and operated the nearby Shahi Hammam.

The Wazir Khan Mosque is known for its complex construction and stunning Mughal architecture, which has been recognized by international organizations such as Germany, Norway, and the U.S. government, who have contributed to its reform since 2009. The mosque's interior features a unique blend of Mughal and local Punjabi construction styles.

The Waji Khan Mosque is located in the southern part of Shahi Guzarga road in Lahore, near the Delhi Gate. It has become an iconic landmark in the city, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.