Abbasi Mosque
Bahawalpur District·Pakistan·19th century·Well-preserved
The Abbasi Mosque, also known as Derawar Mosque and Jamia Masjid-e-Abbasi, is a significant mosque located near Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert of Pakistan. Commissioned by Nawab Bahawal Khan in 1849, it was designed to resemble the Shah Jahani Masjid in Delhi and is notable for its polished marble construction and capacity to hold 10,000 worshippers.
Key Facts
- ›Built by Nawab Bahawal Khan in 1849.
- ›Located near Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan.
- ›Constructed entirely of polished marble.
- ›Features three bulbous marble domes.
- ›Accommodates up to 10,000 worshippers.
- ›Architectural inspiration drawn from the Shah Jahani Masjid in Delhi.
Derawar Mosque, Jamia Masjid‑e‑Abbasi
Late-Mughal
- Three Bulbous Marble Domes
- Octagonal Minarets
- Tri-Arched FaçAde With Low-Relief QurʼAnic Calligraphy
- Marble Jharoka Balconies
- Pierced Screens For Diffused Light
Polished Marble
Religious, Historical, Architectural
About Abbasi Mosque
The Abbasi Mosque, also recognized as Derawar Mosque and locally as Jamia Masjid‑e‑Abbasi, stands as a notable religious structure situated near Derawar Fort in the arid Cholistan Desert, within Bahawalpur District, Punjab, Pakistan. Its construction in 1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan was undertaken with the intention of mirroring the grandeur of the Shah Jahani Masjid in Delhi, utilizing similar construction materials and aesthetic principles.
Architectural Significance
The mosque's design is a striking blend of late-Mughal influences and practical desert adaptation. It features a substantial prayer hall measuring 39 meters in length and 4.9 meters in width, capped by three distinctive bulbous marble domes that command attention against the desert landscape. Flanking the main entrance are two octagonal minarets, while the tri-arched façade is adorned with low-relief Qurʼanic calligraphy and marble jharoka balconies. The building's construction entirely from polished marble serves a dual purpose: it helps to moderate the intense desert heat and allows diffused sunlight to illuminate the interior through high-set pierced screens above the mihrab.
Capacity and Historical Use
With a combined capacity for its paved courtyard and prayer hall to accommodate approximately ten thousand worshippers, the Abbasi Mosque was designed to be a significant communal and ceremonial space. Historically, it facilitated the Bahawalpur nawabs in conducting important state ceremonies beneath its domes. The mosque's historical layout also included servants' quarters at the main entrance, with the lower portion housing a hostel and a library, indicating its role beyond just a place of worship.
Location and Context
The mosque's location in the Cholistan Desert places it within a unique historical and geographical context. Its presence near Derawar Fort underscores the region's historical importance and the architectural achievements of the period. The Abbasi Mosque remains an active place of worship and a significant historical monument in Pakistan.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Abbasi Mosque built?
The Abbasi Mosque was built in 1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan. Its construction dates it to the mid-19th century.
Where is the Abbasi Mosque located?
The Abbasi Mosque is situated close to Derawar Fort in Yazman Tehsil, within the Cholistan Desert of Bahawalpur District, Punjab, Pakistan.
What is the architectural style of the Abbasi Mosque?
The mosque's architecture is inspired by the Shah Jahani Masjid in Delhi. It features a prayer hall with three bulbous marble domes, octagonal minarets, and a tri-arched façade with Qur'anic calligraphy and marble jharoka balconies, evoking a late-Mughal aesthetic.
What materials were used to construct the Abbasi Mosque?
The entire mosque was constructed using polished marble. This material helps to moderate desert heat and create diffused interior light.
How many people can the Abbasi Mosque accommodate?
The paved courtyard and prayer hall of the Abbasi Mosque together can accommodate approximately ten thousand worshippers. This capacity was historically sufficient for the Bahawalpur nawabs to conduct state ceremonies.
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