WAZIR KHAN MOSQUE

In the heart of Lahore’s old city, near Delhi gate, stands Wazir Khan Mosque. Congested narrow streets, old buildings, shops, and the day-to-day hustle and bustle that is so typical of this area surround it.

It was built in 1044 A.H (1634 A.D), by Hakim Illmuddin Ansari, during Shah Jahan’s reign. Apart from a place has also served as a university or college with art students copying out the designs on its ceilings and walls. The mosque stands at the site of the tomb of Sayyed Muhammad Ishaque alias Miran Badshah, who came from Persia and settled in Lahore during the time of Tughlak dynasty.
One can see exquisite impressions depicting trees, flowers (such as daisies, lilies and sunflowers), clouds, grapevine, fruits and vases. Art lovers, archaeologists (including Kipling and Wheeler) and the common visitor to the mosque can’t help but be enchanted by the beauty of the architecture. The work is strictly inlay, not painted decoration. The richness of the designs, arabesque frescoes and superb calligraphy, having freshness in variety and colours, has had many admirers and makes this mosque this mosque a place worth visiting.