Aali Masjid: A brief history
The mosque served as a prominent platform for the freedom struggle during the Dogra rule in the early part of the 20th Century
Aali Masjid: Constructed in 1395 by Sultan Ali Shah (Zainul Abideen’s elder brother), the seventh Sultan of Kashmir. Mir Ali Shah Hamdani is believed to have bought the land and bestowed it on Ali Shah.
However, some historians believe that it was constructed in 1471 by Sultan Hassan Shah (as is mentioned on the history board outside the mosque, pic below).
It is the second biggest mosque in Kashmir after Jamia Masjid. It is a hypostyle mosque, the style which first emerged in Iraq and dominated the world after 715 CE.
Aali Masjid is known for its unique architecture, the frontage of the mosque is made of two Deodar columns with bases carved of stone, which lead into the main hall. As you enter the mosque the hall is supported by 156 (15 feet) Deodar columns, six stepped pulpit made of Devri stone and wooden Pinjrakari work. The hall measures 20x 67 m consisting of 12 x 12ft units (bound by Deodar columns) forming a grid like pattern.
The mosque was worked upon and renovated many times and once by Mughal Governor and architect Ali Mardan Khan. {Either named after Ali Mardan Khan (popular opinion) or Sultan Ali Shah}
The Chinars in the forecourt, that lead to the mosque entrance are thought to have been planted by Islam Khan (1664) who had been governor of Jahangir, Islam Khan also covered the original Deodar columns in masonary walls.
During Afghan period it caught fire and was gutted down. It was rebulit in 1801 by famous Afgan Governor Sardar Gul Mohammad Khan
The traditional birch bark roof of the mosque was changed to three tire CGI roof under the supervision of Mirwaiz Kashmir, Moulana Yousuf.
The mosque served as a prominent platform for the freedom struggle during the Dogra rule in the early part of the 20th Century
Unfortuantely not a lot has been written on the mosque, its history or architechture. I could just find a few paragraphs in a book called ‘Srinagar: An architectural legacy” by Fesial Alkazi.
Today the mosque is surrounded by open land on three sides, with Idgah towards South and Ali Jan road and an Army Bunker on its east.
During 80s and 90s the mosque believed to be haunted by many. Even today many people are scared to offer prayers in there, however, the mosque remains a symbol of cultural, spiritual and political heritage of Kashmir.
Please add more information if you can.
