Neela Gumbad
| Neela Gunbad نیلا گنبد | |
|---|---|
The dome of mausoleum | |
Interactive map of the Neela Gunbad نیلا گنبد area | |
General information | |
| Location | Lahore, Punjab Pakistan, Anarkali Bazar, Lahore |
| Coordinates | 31°34′10″N 74°18′42″E / 31.56949051°N 74.3116554°E |
| Opened | 1673 |
| Renovated | 2026 |
| Operator | Walled City of Lahore Authority |
Neela Gumbad (Punjabi: نیلا گنبد; Urdu: نیلا گنبد; lit. 'Blue Dome') is a historic shrine located in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore, Pakistan, known for its distinctive blue dome. It serves as the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Sheikh Abdul Razzak Maki and reflects traditional Islamic architectural design.[1]
Location
Neela Gumbad is situated on The Mall, in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore in Punjab, Pakistan.
History
This mausoleum is attributed to Sheikh Abdul Razzaq of Mecca. According to legend, the saint came to this region in the mid 16th century during the reign of Nāṣir-al-Dīn Humayun (r. 1530-40), the second Mughal emperor. Residing in Lahore, he became a disciple of the famous saint Miran Muhammad Shah Mauj Darya Bukhari of the Suhrawardi lineage.
The saint passed away in the year 1673, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Following his death, his disciples constructed a mausoleum at the site of his burial. An adjoining mosque was also built along with a garden surrounding the complex. The mosque, situated to the north of the shrine, became known as the Neela Gumbad Masjid. It includes a wide courtyard, three domes, three arches, and designated space for ablution.[2]
Conservation
In 2025, the Government of Punjab established the Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival (LAHR), with the aim of preserving and rehabilitating the historic sites of Lahore.[3][4][5][6] Under this, a project was initiated to remove the encroachments around the Neela Gumbad and restore it to its original form and to construct an adjacent underground parking plaza.[7]
References
- ^ "Neela Gumbad Mausoleum". Asian Historical Architecture. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ^ "Neela Gumbad". Heritage of Pakistan. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ^ "Punjab launches Lahore heritage project". The Express Tribune. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ^ "Punjab Govt decides to establish Lahore Authority for Heritage Revival". www.radio.gov.pk.
- ^ "Punjab govt forms LAHR to restore Lahore's heritage". The Nation. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ^ Zulfiqar, Samra (17 March 2025). "LAHR to overhaul Lahore's historical sites - Zameen News". Pakistan Real Estate News & Pakistan Property News & Latest Updates - Zameen News. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ^ "Tepa to hand over three heritage sites to LAHR, WCLA soon". Dawn News. Retrieved 30 April 2026.