Chaqchan Mosque
| Chaqchan Mosque | |
|---|---|
مسجد چقچن | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
| Sect | Sufism Noorbakshia |
| Ecclesiastical or organisational status | Mosque |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Khaplu, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Country | Pakistan |
Interactive map of Chaqchan Mosque | |
| Coordinates | 35°09′22″N 76°19′50″E / 35.156062°N 76.330582°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque architecture |
| Style | |
| Completed | 1370 CE |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 500 (including verandah) |
| Spire | One |
The Chaqchan Mosque (Urdu: مسجد چقچن, lit. 'The Miraculous Mosque'[1]) is a Sufi Noorbakshia mosque, located 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, from the time when the area's populace converted en masse from Tibetan Buddhism to Islam.[2][3] The mosque shares similar architecture as those built in the Kashmir Valley.[4] It features a blend of Tibetan, Mughal and Persian styles of architecture.[5]
History
According to some sources, the mosque was built by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani[6] while others say on the arrival of Sufi saint Syed Nurbakhsh from Kashmir to Baltistan, the local ruling Raja converted to Islam and commissioned the building of the mosque in 1370 CE.[7] However, the dating of the latter theory contradicts historical sources which suggest that the mosque was probably constructed more than two decades before the birth of Syed Nurbakhsh.
Conservation
The Government of Pakistan has listed the Chaqchan Mosque as a Pakistan Heritage Site. The mosque is currently in use after extensive conservation works.
Architecture
Architecturally, the mosque displays a blend of Tibetan, Mughal, Kashmiri and Persian styles,[8][5] 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.[9][10]
Gallery
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The mosque's interior with extensive woodwork
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View over the valley from the mosque
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Chaqchan Mosque's Arches
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The mosque's exterior
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Chaqchan Mosque around 1st decade of 19 century
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The mosque's decorated mihrab
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Portion of the decorated ceiling
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Almost all surfaces of the mosque's interior, including its ceiling, are decorated
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Interior decorations make use of vibrant colours
See also
References
- ^ Shahzad Bashir (2003). Messianic Hopes and Mystical Visions: The Nåurbakhshåiya Between Medieval. ISBN 9781570034954.
- ^ "Chaqchan Mosque (Ghanche)".
- ^ History of Baltistan, Hassan nurbakshi
- ^ Asimov, Muchammed Sajfiddinoviĉ (1992). History of Civilizations of Central Asia (vol. 4, part-2). Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 9788120815964.
- ^ a b Jajja, Sumaira (27 July 2014). "Khaplu — off the beaten path". dawn.com. Dawn. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ History and Culture of Baltistan, Hassan Hasrat
- ^ Afridi, Banat Gul (1988). baltistan in history.
- ^ 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. Dawn. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ Two Oldest Mosques of Sub-continent
- ^ Ghanche is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan
External links
Media related to Chaqchan Mosque at Wikimedia Commons