Jamia Masjid

The Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta was founded by Sultan Sikandar in 1394 and enlarged by his son Zain-ul-Abidin. It has burned and been rebuilt several times since; the present structure dates largely from the late 17th century. It is the biggest mosque in Kashmir and can hold tens of thousands of worshippers.

Its signature is wood. The roof rests on more than 370 pillars, each cut from a single deodar trunk, arranged in long colonnades around a large central courtyard with a garden and fountain. The style blends Persian layout with the pagoda-like roofs typical of Kashmiri religious buildings.

Visiting

Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly, cover your head if you are a woman, and remove shoes at the entrance. Friday afternoons are for worshippers only. The cool, dim colonnades are a remarkable contrast to the busy streets outside.

Jamia Masjid is the natural start of an old-city walk: Badshah Tomb, Khanqah-e-Moula and Pathar Masjid are all within a short drive or walk along the Jhelum.