Chaqchan Mosque

Name of monument: Chaqchan Masjid

Location: Khaplu

Date of Construction: c.1370

Materials of construction: Wood

The Chaqchan Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the region dating from 1370 when people started converting from Buddhism to Islam. Chaqchan mosque meaning “The Miraculous Mosque” shares similar architecture as those built in the Kashmir Valley and Gilgit Baltistan. The architecture is a blend of Tibetan, Persian and Mughal style of architecture. The precise history of the construction of the mosque is not known.  According to some local tradition the mosque was built by Mir Syed Hamdani.

Architecturally, the mosque consists of a two-story cubic complex: Semi-basement, ground floor with a turret atop. The perimetral walls of the cubic structure are composed of wooden slabs stacked to form a frame with its void spaces daubed with clay or mud. This method of construction is one of the oldest known for making a weatherproof structure and it is also suitable for harsh winter conditions. The mosque presents one of the best art of carving in woodwork. The wooden jali work on the facade is exquisite.