Built with meager resources, Rawalpindi's Markazi Jamia Mosque still stands tall after a century

Pakistan

Built with meager resources, Rawalpindi's Markazi Jamia Mosque still stands tall after a century

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(Web Desk) - Located in Rawalpindi s Bagh Sardaran, the historical Markazi Jamia Masjid stands tall in a blend of white and blue even after more than a century of being built.

Built 115 years ago, the mosque has a capacity to house 10,000 worshippers. The mosque becomes alive during the month of Ramazan and is full five times a day during the month.

The mosque has three beautiful large domes and 9 small minars painted in white and blue. Unlike most mosques in the region, with usually four large minars marking the boundaries of the courtyard, the Markazi Jamia Masjid has nine small minars spread across its roof. A significant feature of the mosque is that the mosque offers a panoramic view with only one entrance for the courtyard on the eastern side.

Unlike the exterior of the mosque painted mainly with two colours, the inside of the mosque is adorned with detailed tile work in vibrant colours and elaborate floral patterns that compensate for the lack of colour and design on the exterior of the mosque.

Based on the pattern of Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, the foundation of this mosque was laid a century ago. At that time, the majority of the residents in the area were Sikhs. The locals had meager resources at hand for the construction of the mosque. It is said that women of the area used to separate a fistful of flour daily while making chapattis. The flour was collected from every house and sold. The amount generated was used to aid the construction of the mosque. Moreover, Muslim men designated a day of the week solely for work related to the construction of the mosque.

Looking at the mosque today, one not only sees the architectural wonder that it is but also the hard work and sacrifices of the local people who, despite having limited resources at their disposal, made this mosque a reality.