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Introduction
Mosques are not just places of worship; they are historical symbols, architectural marvels, and cultural landmarks. Among the most magnificent mosques in the world, Faisal Mosque in Islamabad and Badshahi Mosque in Lahore stand out as two of Pakistan’s most iconic structures. While Faisal Mosque represents modern Islamic architecture with its unique, contemporary design, Badshahi Mosque is a splendid masterpiece of Mughal architecture, exuding historical richness and grandeur.
This article explores the foundation, construction, and historical background of these two incredible mosques, highlighting their religious and cultural significance.
Faisal Mosque: A Gift from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan
Foundation & Historical Background
The idea of constructing a grand mosque in Islamabad was initiated in 1966 when King Faisal bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia visited Pakistan and proposed funding a national mosque. The government of Pakistan welcomed the idea, and an international architectural competition was held in 1969 to select the best design. Over 43 architects from 17 countries participated, and Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay won the bid with his unconventional yet striking design.
The mosque was named Faisal Mosque in honor of King Faisal, who played a crucial role in financing the project. Unfortunately, he was assassinated in 1975, a year before the construction began.
Construction & Architectural Features
Construction of Faisal Mosque began in 1976 and was completed in 1986, costing approximately $120 million. The mosque is situated at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, giving it a breathtaking backdrop.
Key Architectural Features
Tent-Like Design: Unlike traditional mosques with domes, Faisal Mosque is inspired by a Bedouin tent, symbolizing Islamic simplicity and strength.
Four Towering Minarets: Each minaret stands 90 meters (300 feet) tall, resembling the traditional Turkish design.
No Central Dome: The mosque features an eight-sided concrete structure instead of a dome, making it a unique architectural marvel.
Gigantic Prayer Hall: It can accommodate 100,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosques in the world.
White Marble & Calligraphy: The interior is adorned with white marble and beautiful calligraphy of Surah Al-Rahman, created by famous artist Sadequain.
Religious and Cultural Importance
Pakistan’s National Mosque: Faisal Mosque is considered the national mosque of Pakistan, hosting major religious events.
Tomb of General Zia-ul-Haq: The mosque’s premises also house the tomb of General Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s former president.
Tourist Attraction: Due to its architectural uniqueness, Faisal Mosque attracts millions of tourists annually.
Learn more about the Faisal Mosque at the official website of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation:
Visit Pakistan Tourism
Badshahi Mosque: The Mughal Empire’s Grandest Legacy
Foundation & Historical Background
The Badshahi Mosque was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and completed in 1673. It was built as a response to his father Shah Jahan’s famous Jama Masjid in Delhi. Located near Lahore Fort, the mosque was designed to be a symbol of Mughal power, faith, and artistic excellence.
During the Mughal era, Lahore was an important center of Islamic learning and culture. Aurangzeb envisioned a grand mosque that would not only be the largest in the empire but also reflect the Mughal dynasty’s dominance.
Construction & Architectural Features
The construction of Badshahi Mosque was completed in just two years, making it one of the fastest-built Mughal monuments. The mosque’s grandeur is evident in its intricate design, massive scale, and lavish use of materials.
Key Architectural Features:
Red Sandstone Exterior: The entire structure is made of red sandstone, giving it a majestic and royal appearance.
White Marble Interiors: The prayer hall is adorned with white marble inlay work, intricate floral patterns, and Quranic calligraphy.
Three Grand Domes: The central dome and two smaller domes are made of white marble, contrasting beautifully with the red sandstone.
Four Gigantic Minarets: Standing 176 feet (53.75 meters) tall, the minarets are adorned with detailed Mughal carvings.
Largest Courtyard: Covering 276,000 square feet, it can accommodate 100,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosque courtyards in the world.
Historical Events & Religious Significance
Symbol of Mughal Grandeur: The mosque was a central place for royal prayers and celebrations during the Mughal era.
Sikh Rule & British Occupation: During the Sikh Empire (1799-1849), the mosque was used as a military garrison.
Under British rule, it was converted into a military depot. It was only in 1947 after Pakistan’s independence that it was restored as a mosque.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site Nominee: The mosque is under consideration for inclusion in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites due to its historical significance.
For more historical insights, visit the official Lahore Heritage website:
Lahore Heritage
How to Reach Badshahi Mosque and Faisal Mosque: A Complete Travel Guide
Badshahi Mosque (Pakistan) and Faisal Mosque (Pakistan) are two of the most iconic mosques in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual traveler, or an architecture lover, visiting these mosques is a must. This guide will provide you with complete details on how to reach both mosques via air, road, and local transport.
How to Reach Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
By Air: The nearest airport to Faisal Mosque is Islamabad International Airport (ISB), which is about 30 km away.
✈ Flights to Islamabad:
Direct international flights operate from Dubai, Doha, London, Istanbul, and Saudi Arabia.
Domestic flights connect Islamabad with Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
🚖 From the Airport to Faisal Mosque:
Uber, Careem, and taxis are available at the airport. A ride costs PKR 1500-2000 and takes 40-50 minutes.
Metro Bus service is available from the airport to Islamabad city center, from where you can take a taxi or local bus.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Islamabad Railway Station, which is 15 km from Faisal Mosque.
🚆 Major Trains to Islamabad:
Green Line Express (Karachi-Islamabad)
Margalla Express (Lahore-Islamabad)
Pakistan Express (Multan-Islamabad)
🚕 From Railway Station to Faisal Mosque:
Taxis, Uber, and Careem are available. A ride costs around PKR 500-800.
Local vans and buses also operate on this route.
By Road: Islamabad has well-maintained highways connecting it to other cities.
🛣 Key Routes to Islamabad:
Lahore to Islamabad: 380 km via M-2 Motorway (~4 hours)
Peshawar to Islamabad: 180 km via M-1 Motorway (~2 hours)
Murree to Islamabad: 65 km (~1.5 hours)
🚍 Bus Services to Islamabad:
Daewoo Express
Faisal Movers
Skyways
📍 Bus Drop-off Points:
Buses usually stop at Faizabad Bus Terminal or Islamabad’s Sector G-9. You can take a taxi or local bus to Faisal Mosque.
How to Reach Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
By Air: The nearest airport to Badshahi Mosque is Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE), which is about 20 km away from the mosque.
✈ International & Domestic Flights:
Major airlines like PIA, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Air Arabia operate flights to Lahore from different parts of the world.
Domestic flights from Karachi, Islamabad, and other major cities frequently arrive at Lahore.
🚖 From the Airport to Badshahi Mosque:
Taxi/Ride-hailing Apps: Uber, Careem, and local taxis are available at the airport. The ride takes around 40-50 minutes and costs PKR 1000-1500.
Airport Shuttle & Buses: Several private bus services operate from the airport to Lahore city center, from where you can take a rickshaw or taxi.
By Train: Lahore Junction Railway Station is the main railway hub in Lahore and is about 4 km from Badshahi Mosque.
🚆 Popular Train Routes:
Karachi to Lahore – Green Line, Khyber Mail
Islamabad to Lahore – Pakistan Express, Green Line
Multan to Lahore – Awam Express, Jaffar Express
🚕 From Railway Station to Badshahi Mosque:
Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and ride-hailing services are easily available.
A rickshaw ride costs around PKR 300-500 and takes 15-20 minutes.
By Road: Lahore is well connected by road to major cities in Pakistan.
🛣 Key Routes to Lahore:
Islamabad to Lahore: 380 km via M-2 Motorway (~4 hours)
Karachi to Lahore: 1,220 km via N-5 (~14 hours)
Multan to Lahore: 330 km via M-3 Motorway (~3.5 hours)
🚍 Bus Services:
Several luxury and economy bus services connect Lahore with other cities.
Daewoo Express
Faisal Movers
Skyways
📍 Bus Drop-off Points:
Lahore’s main bus terminals are at Thokar Niaz Baig and Lari Adda. You can take a taxi or rickshaw to the mosque from these points.
Local Transport in Lahore & Islamabad
🚖 Taxi & Ride-Hailing Services:
Uber & Careem operate in both cities and are a convenient option.
🚌 Metro Bus Service:
Lahore and Islamabad both have Metro Bus Services, offering affordable transport within the cities.
🚲 Rickshaws & Local Buses:
Auto-rickshaws are commonly used in Lahore.
Minibuses operate on fixed routes in both cities.
Final Travel Tips
✔ Best Time to Visit: Spring & Winter (Avoid extreme summers)
✔ Dress Code: Wear modest clothing when visiting mosques.
✔ Photography: Allowed in most areas but avoid disturbing prayers.
✔ Security: Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Conclusion
Both Badshahi Mosque & Faisal Mosque are must-visit destinations for history, culture, and architecture lovers. Whether you’re traveling from within Pakistan or internationally, these mosques are easily accessible.
✈ Plan your trip, book your stay, and explore the beauty of these iconic mosques!
Warm regards,
Muhammad Aves
Founder, RootsAndRouts.com
