Gallery
Description
Property Name: Wazir Khan Mosque
Inventory No: 92-42-4
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-02-14
Country (State party): Pakistan
Province: Lahore
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 31° 34′ 59″ N
74° 19′ 25″ E
Historic Period:
Year of Construction:
Style:
Original Use:
Current Use:
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Unlike Safavid buildings, which were totally covered in glazed tiles, the decoration of this mosque is subordinated to the architectural elements. Octagonal minarets, walls, kiosks and gateways are divided into rectangular panels framed by bands of plain brickwork. These panels are filled with mosaic tilework forming floral and geometric patterns in vivid greens, oranges, blues and browns. Inside, the walls and ceilings are entirely covered in sinuous patterns and floral designs, painted in tempera in rich shades of magenta, dark-green and ochre.
Selection Criteria
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State of Preservation
Hakim Wazir Khan, in the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan, built this mosque and its associated structures in 1634-35. The complex includes the mosque itself, the introductory space of Chowk Wazir Khan, and a double row of shops. The mosque has been under extensive restoration since 2009 under the direction of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Government of Punjab.
References
Amin, Mohamed. Journey through Pakistan. Nairohi. Cameropix Publishers International, 1982.
Khan, Ahmad Nabi. Monuments of Islamic civilization in Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Rabat: ISESCO, 2000.
Mumtaz, Kamil Khan. Architecture in Pakistan. London: Concept Media Ltd.; North America: Butterworth Architecture.