Shahi Masjid Chitral, Kpk, Pakistan

Like other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral also is host to a large number of archaeological and historical monuments like the petroglyphs of Rain, Pakhtoridini, Charoon, and Mulyom; wooden mosques of Ayun, Koghuzi, Lodde, Dahar and Sorlaspur, and sites in Kalash valley. Among these the Shahi Masjid and fort in Chitral city stand out in prominence and remind one of a glorious period of Chitral’s history. The Shahi Masjid is believed to have been built by Shujaul Mulk who was made Mehtar of Chitral in 1895 by the British government. The British had occupied Chitral and some parts of Dir by defeating Umra Khan, the ruler of Jandol and Dir, and Afzalul Mulk. Shujaul Mulk was appointed as the Mehtar of Chitral as well as an honorary commandant of Chitral Scouts raised by the British in 1903. He ruled Chitral from 1895-1936. He is believed to have built many mosques and fortresses in Chitral including the Shahi Mosque. The three-domed mosque is said to have been built in 1914. Two minarets were added later on. The distinctive feature of the mosque is the stucco work, which decorates every space of the mosque inside and outside. The main gate of the mosque, which opens on the south, is also decorated with stucco. The main features of the stucco decoration are the geometric and floral designs. The mosque has no parallel in terms of architecture in the whole of Chitral District. As compared to other mosques in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the Mahabat Khan mosque in Peshawar, which is noted for its murals representing floral and geometric designs, the Shahi Masjid’s stucco decoration excel in intricacy of design. Southeast of the Shahi mosque is situated a fort believed to have been built by Raja Nadir Shah in the 14th Century. Later on, the Mehtars of Chitral and the British officers renovated it.