Masjid Mohabbat Khan
Masjid Mohabbat Khan is one of the most famous landmarks in Peshawar. It was named after Nawab Mohabbat Khan Kamboh, the Mughal ruler of Peshawar and father of Nawab Khairandesh Khan Kamboh. The mosque was built around 1630 and is known for its white marble front, which shines beautifully under sunlight.
It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan and a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Peshawar. Built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque reflects the art and craftsmanship of the Mughal period.
Some historians say that in ancient times, the tall minarets of Masjid Mohabbat Khan were used as a place to hang prisoners, replacing the old hanging tree. This story adds to the mosque’s long and often intense history. Today, the mosque stands as a peaceful place of worship and history combined.
Around 14 million people can offer prayers at one time, including those in the open courtyard. The mosque welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset, except during prayer times, especially on Fridays.
Masjid Mohabbat Khan Location
Masjid Mohabbat Khan, also known as Mahabat Khan Mosque, is located in the old city of Peshawar, Pakistan. The exact address is Andar Shehr Mohallah Baqir Shah, 2H6F+67W, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Because of its location on a higher point in the old city, the mosque can be seen from many places nearby. It remains one of Peshawar’s most recognizable and photographed sites.
History of Masjid Mohabbat Khan
The Mughals built this mosque between 1660 and 1670. It was named after Mirza Lerharsib, who ruled Peshawar twice — first under Emperor Shah Jahan and later under Emperor Aurangzeb.
During the Sikh period, the mosque’s minarets were again used to hang prisoners. It’s said that five people were hanged from the minarets daily, making the place both sacred and grim in that era.
In the 1980s, during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Afghan tribal elders gathered in this mosque to unite against the Soviet forces.
The mosque, named after Nawab Mahabat Khan, the Mughal governor of Peshawar, still reminds visitors of the Mughal Empire’s power and beauty. Nawab Mahabat Khan served during the time of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb and built this mosque as a symbol of devotion and strength.
Structure and Design
Masjid Mohabbat Khan is one of the most beautiful historic mosques in Peshawar. Its west side is used as the main prayer hall, surrounded by two tall minarets divided into three parts.
The mosque’s roof has three fluted domes, while its front is decorated with small minarets and arched entryways. The white marble surface shines in daylight, giving the mosque a calm and royal appearance.
Inside, the prayer hall is full of colorful floral and geometric artwork. The interior has been carefully painted with bright vegetable-based colors, similar in style to the designs of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
In the courtyard, there’s a small blue-tiled pond for ablution, surrounded by rooms and a central prayer area. The entrance is small but leads to a wide open space that can hold thousands of worshippers. Around the mosque, you’ll also find traditional gold and silver shops — a reminder of the old Peshawar bazaar life.
Under Construction
The restoration work of Masjid Mohabbat Khan has faced many delays. According to officials from the Archaeology Department, one of the mosque’s domes was badly damaged during an earthquake and could not be rebuilt easily.
Three contractors have already left the project due to technical difficulties, and a fourth one has now been hired.
Earlier, the Auqaf Department repaired the mosque in 2015. Later, in 2018, the government gave Rs. 80.70 million for further work and handed it over to the Archaeology Department. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government also announced Rs. 50 million in its 2014–15 budget for restoration.
Officials also reported that one of the mosque’s minarets was damaged during the October 26 earthquake.
How to Reach Masjid Mohabbat Khan
To visit, head towards the old city of Peshawar. Ask anyone in the Ancient Bazaar, and locals will happily guide you. Follow Kachahry Road to Chowk Yadgar, then walk west into the bazaar. You can park your car nearby, as the mosque is located at the highest point of the street.
It’s an unforgettable experience to stand inside this centuries-old mosque and feel its calmness in the middle of Peshawar’s busy old city.
Contact Us to Visit the Place
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