Have you been to the Shah Jehan Mosque in Thatta?

One of the most memorable trips for me was the one I took with my family from Islamabad to Karachi. The changing landscapes, the hustle and bustle of the cities on the way, and the natural beauty surrounding us were absolutely magical. One of the places we stopped to visit was the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta. It is located near the Makli graveyard, is approximately 100 kilometres from Karachi, and is now one of the most important landmarks of Sindh.

Construction started in 1644, and the mosque was completed in a mere three years, in 1647. The mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a gift for the people of the area, since they showed him immense hospitality when he was seeking refuge from his father.  It cost 9 lakh rupees at the time.

The Shah Jahan Mosque is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture, which is characterized by its grandeur, elegance, and symmetry. The mosque is built entirely of red brick and decorated with blue tiles, giving it a striking appearance. It has 100 domes (the largest number in Pakistan), with 6 big domes, and the remaining smaller in size. It also has 33 arches, and interestingly, does not have a single minaret.

In my opinion, the mosque is a MUST-visit for anyone planning to visit Sindh. The beautiful mosque displays the amazing architecture of the Mughal era and also showcases the durability of the construction.