Wazir Khan Mosque is situated in Old city near Dehli Gate. It was built by Wazir Khan, Governor of Lahore, in the period of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Wazir Khan’s actual name was Hakim Shaikh Ilmuddin Ansari, but he was famous by former name. He was commonly known as Wazir Khan (wazir means minister in Urdu). Prior to becoming Governor, Wazir Khan was the court physician to Shah Jehan.
Mosque was completed in Seven Years. Construction started in 1634 AD & completed in 1641. It is famous for its marvelous faience tile work. Outstanding architectural features are its octagonal four corner minarets 107 feet high decorated with mosaic tiles. Mosque is decorated with glazed mosaics and is one of the most beautiful in Pakistan.The mosque is made of brick and faced with brightly coloured glazed tile mosaics of Mughal floral designs on the clear yellow background. All the paintings are carefully restored by the few remaining Islamic craftmen in Pakistan.Beautiful Pigeons flying in the courtyard area increase the beauty of mosque.
To reach this mosque you have to walk through the crowded old city outside the walls of the Lahore Fort. You can probably spot some of the mosque’s minarets as you walk. Located in Lahore’s inner city, the Wazir Khan Mosque is on the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most spectacular sights in Pakistan’s cultural capital.
Photos by: Nad-e-Ali
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