ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL FOR ALL TO SEE
HAT plans to have dialogue with Shia leaders to convince them for the same
One of the most incredible works of Islamic culture – the Jama Masjid in Lucknow (in
pix)-- may soon be opened for tourists. Built with yellow sandstone in 1838, the Jama Masjid is presently only for ‘namazis’. The mosque that is built on the pattern of the famous Suleymaniye mosque of Istanbul, Turkey, has a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The entire structure stands on 260 pillars and supports 15 arched domes. Lucknow DM Raj Shekhar, also custodian of Hussainabad Allied Trust, said he would talk to religious heads for opening up the monument for tourists.
One of the most incredible icons of Islamic culture, Jama Masjid - the 19th century edifice in Old City - may soon be among the tourist attractions in the state capital as the Hussainabad Allied Trust (HAT) plans to throw the mosque’s doors open for all visitors.
The All-India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) hailed the move, saying there was no harm in opening the mosque for tourists. The board members said UP tourism should promote the one-of-its-kind mosque in the country.
Built in 1838 during the regime of Mohd Ali Shah’s (third king of Avadh), the Jama Masjid is currently open only to namazis. “Non-namazis are prohibited from entering the mosque’ - reads the board placed outside the mosque. But the HAT that takes care of the mosque, which is also an ASI-protected monument, is planning to have a talk with religious groups in order to make it open for visitors.
“It’s the most incredible mosque. Its intricate carvings and ornate interiors make it different from others. By opening it to the tourists, we believe we can further promote it worldwide,” said district magistrate Raj Shekhar, who is also the custodian of HAT.
Shekhar said the HAT was planning to have a word with Shia leaders to convince them for throwing the mosque open for tourists. “We are going to talk to religious leaders and will try to convince them for the same,” he said.
I f historians are t o be believed, the Jama Masjid holds a distinct position as compared to other mosques in the country. It is perhaps the only monument in the city to be built with yellow sandstone.
“The mosque that is built on the pattern of the famous Suleymaniye mosque of Istanbul (Turkey) is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim architecture. The entire structure stands on 260 pillars and supports 15 arched domes. Besides, its domes bear beautiful carvings and calligraphy that is similar to that of Suleymaniye mosque,” said Yogesh Praveen, a historian from the city. Its courtyard, he said, measures around 75 x 66 metres.
In 2012 and 2013, the ASI had carried out extensive restoration work at the monument and repaired cracks in the main dome of the mosque. “We also did water tapping on the roof and repaired other domes,” said an official with ASI’s Lucknow circle.
HAT officials said if the mosque is open for commoners, its restoration would be ensured on a regular basis.
AISPLB spokesperson Maulana Yasoob Abbas said the plan to throw the mosque open for non-namazis was perhaps a good idea. “It’s an architectural marvel and there is no harm in promoting it,” said Abbas.
However, prominent Shia cleric Maulana Agha Roohi was opposed to any such move.
Heritage activist S Mohammed Haider said: “It’s a protected monument and ASI is spending on it. It’s an architectural marvel that needs to be promoted among heritage lovers. Islam is an open religion and hence the mosque should be made open for all.”