Shah Jahan Mosque( Thatta - Sindh) Pakistan

Shah jahan Mosque is famous for its beautiful architecture. It in located in Thatta city, Sindh province of Pakistan. This Mosque was built in the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The foundation of the mosque were laid in 1644 A.D and mosque was completed in 1647 A.D. This Mosque is called with many names like Jama Masjid Thatta,  Shahjahani Mosque and Badshahi Mosque Thatta 

The mosque is a excellent example of crafty tile work.The mosque is built with red bricks with blue coloured glaze tiles.  The domes have been exquisitely laid in a mosaic of radiating blue and white tiles. Its blue tiles and mosaic work are very appealing. The mosque is combination of Turkish and local artwork, which is profusely used on tile work in the ceiling decoration of semi domed and domed chambers; as well as in the fillings of interlaced arches. This new concept reveals Mughal influence in the types of of geometric lines that enclose these stars to make different patterns. 

The Shah Jahan mosque represents the beautiful  tile decoration of Sindh. This mosque is a prime example of an imperial architectural form of region by the use of brick and Sindh tile work.There is mosaic tile work on the ceiling decoration of semi-domed and domed chambers, as well as in the fillings of interlaced arches and in the panels. Stylish floral patterns and Kashi work, decorate the spandrels of the main arches Their domes have  been exquisitely laid with a mosaic of radiating blue and white tiles.Various shapes of tiles  are square, rectangular and hexagonal which were manufactured and joined to complete a design in a given panel.  Various shades of blue on white, and some yellow or purple background produce a very soothing effect in the hot climate of Thatta.

The mosque is a heavy brick structure of simple construction built upon a stone plinth, with heavy  square pillars and massive walls, is centered around a courtyard 169' X 97'. The prayer chamber is of  a similar size. Both are covered by large domes. On the north and south two aisled galleries open by  means of arcades onto the courtyard. Ninety three domes cover the entire structure, and are probably  the cause of a remarkable echo, which enables the prayers in front of the Mibrab to be heard in any  part of the building. The mosque contains the most elaborate display of tile-work in the Indo-Pakistan  sub-continent. The two main chambers, in particular, are entirely covered with them.. 

The mosque is spread over an area of 51,850 square feet. The main entrance of the mosque has a central domed chamber. The mosque has an open central courtyard of about 15,900 square feet. Arcades of red brick arches highlighted with bands of white surround the courtyard.

 The ablution pond is located  a square courtyard located within the eastern portion of the mosque.The domes and arches can be seen as a  series of lined arches in straight line. Each arch has a small atop with beautiful mosaic and tile work.

 The main quality of Shah Jahan Mosque is that it has no minarets. Instead of the typical three domes, there is only one main dome in the prayer hall. Its 93 domes and 33 arches with varying sizes add to their architectural beauty. It is world's largest mosque having such number of domes.

It has been built keeping acoustics in mind. A person speaking inside one end of the dome can be heard at the other end when the speech exceeds 100 decibels.