Postcard from Lahore - Wazer Khan Mosque

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Instagram @gaynor.shaw.photography

A number of weeks ago, when you could still travel around Pakistan, we visited Lahore.  This was my first visit to Lahore and I can see why visitors return again and again.  Lahore was originally the capital of Pakistan and has a long and varied history.  Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Mughal, Afghan, British, Pakistan - each new arrival leaving an interesting layer of culture, history, art and religion. 

 Lahore has a walled inner city and the Wazer Khan Mosque is near the Delhi Gate.  The mosque was built in 1634-41 AD during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.  The mosque courtyard floor has detailed brickwork. The walls and ceilings are covered in tile work known as ‘kashi-kari’ and detailed frescoes with calligraphy, flowers and geometric designs. 

 Outside noisy, daily live continued, food vendors called out to people walking by, the narrow streets busy with motorbikes, carts and rickshaws.   However, inside the courtyard it was peaceful, a place to slow down, pray and contemplate life.  As a photographer I loved the building’s details, small, richly coloured ceramic tiles, peeling paint revealing layers beneath, intricate designs of flowers.  I also loved seeing how the space is used today.  People came to pray, food was being prepared, washing was being done on the roof. 

 The mosque has been listed as a possible UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Restoration work has been ongoing since 2009 to try and save this incredible piece of history that is still in use today and hopefully for many more years to come.