Although mosques are a place where people go to pray together, they are also outstanding structures that must be appreciated for their elaborate architecture. Tall, slender minarets, cascading domes and intricate art.
Mosques inculcate architectural styles from the cultures of different regions. The architecture of the mosques in Pakistan resonates with the country’s rich culture. We came across a thread on Twitter that shared images of mosques and churches from across the country and thought it worth sharing. Take a look and soak in the beauty.
1. Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad
With a capacity to accommodate 300,000 people, Shah Faisal Mosque is the biggest in Pakistan.
Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/5LR4CwJa8Y
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
Sunset over the Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/Z89uo2QYuI
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
Muslims performing Salah inside the Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/siqb1ekltB
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) July 4, 2016
Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/HaDLFnyQeM
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) August 1, 2016
2. Mohabbat Khan Mosque in Peshawar
The mosque was built in 1630 by the governor of Peshawar, under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and renovated in 1898.
Mohabbat Khan Mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/pK3PdTUHLM
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
3. Tooba Mosque in Karachi
Locally known as the Gol Masjid, the Tooba mosque was built in 1969 in Karachi and has a capacity to hold 5,000 people.
Tooba Mosque in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/VKWrKcgY5S
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
4. Bhit Shah
Bhit Shah, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/mCi7lo0jPx
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
5. Abbasi Mosque in Bahawalpur
A duplicate of Moti Masjid, Delhi, Governor Bahawal Khan constructed this with cupolas and domes of exquisite marble in 1849.
Abbasi Mosque in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/xlZaT1z8wB
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
6. Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore
Another architectural masterpiece of Shah Jahan’s era, the Wazir Khan Mosque, is located deep within the old quarter of the ancient Walled City.
Inside Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/O5ewxUAyrY
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/p9XxG41veA
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 12, 2016
7. Shah Yousuf Gardez in Multan
This classical shrine, built with a beautiful touch of Iranian construction touch, is situated in the ancient city of Multan.
Shrine of Shah Yousuf Gardez in Multan, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/UtJK1HoSeZ
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
8. Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta
The combination of red bricks and blue-colored tiles adds flavour to the walls. The magnificent mosque has 93 domes (the largest number in Pakistan) and 33 arches.
Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/8AEARR5dbq
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 11, 2016
The Domes of Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/Upe6dpKaR3
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 27, 2016
9. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan Sharif
The shrine is dedicated to the 13th century Islamic mystic Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Interior of the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/JSnsD045zO
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 12, 2016
10. Sukh Chayn Mosque in Lahore
The remarkable interior design and architecture of the 21st century reflects in this masjid located in Lahore and is a replica of the Blue Masjid in Istanbul, Turkey.
Interior of Sukh Chayn Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/b3awDoVqiY
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) July 5, 2016
11. Badshahi Mosque in Lahore
Badshahi Mosque in Lahore was the largest mosque in the world when it was constructed in the 17th century, commissioned by the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb.
Eid Al-Fitr prayer at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/qqXH01KIa3
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) July 6, 2016
Eid Al-Fitr Prayers across Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/6MeQx6uKDX
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) July 6, 2016
Now take a look at these beautiful churches that can be seen in Pakistan.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/JApiQxrgrA
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 12, 2016
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/WwEbPGOvqF
— Pakistan (@BeautyPakistani) June 12, 2016
Beautiful, aren’t they?