PESHAWAR: A multifaceted artist has given a new look to the free spaces of the historic Masjid Mahabat Khan to attract visitors to the archaeological heritage located in the provincial metropolis.

Built in the 17th century, the mosque accommodates over 4,000 faithful at a time and attracts hundreds of visitors owing to its Mughal architectural wonder.

Zeeshan Minhas, a young noted calligrapher, photographer, and mural relief artist, has recently painted free spaces and pillars of the Masjid following the calligraphic art ‘Khat-i-Sulus’ and gave a fresh look to the historic heritage site and earned appreciation from tourists.

He has decorated the empty spaces and pillars of the mosque with his ‘master hand’ with appended texture of modern calligraphic art ‘Khat-i-Kufia’ at the end of each Quranic verse.

“I approached the authorities concerned and sought permission for decorating the free spaces on the inside walls and pillars of the mosque. I presented a paper presentation before my volunteer project. Every day I come up with my art paraphernalia and paint the empty spaces to give a new look to the over 300-year-old heritage site.

“Tourists appreciated my artwork, and that’s enough award for me,” the artist told this scribe.

The historic mosque was built by Mahabat Khan, a powerful general in the Mughal Army, statesman and governor of Peshawar, during the rule of emperors Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb Alamgir.

Experts are divided over its date of completion in the absence of any epigraphically established details, but most believe it might have been completed in 1670 during the last days Aurangzeb’s reign.

Located at the highest point of the inner city, Masjid Mahabat Khan is now eclipsed and surrounded by busy markets and residential areas. Rectangular in shape, the mosque is spread over 30,155 square feet area with three fluted domes designed in cavettos and gilded finals with two minarets supported by a domed pavilion.

Mr Minhas said he wanted to contribute to the beauty of the historic mosque through his ‘master hand’, adding the structure was not only an architectural wonder but also a

site for tourists both domestic and foreign.

He stated that the frontal exterior and interior had panels of different shapes and sizes decorated with mural paintings and floral patterns coupled with Quranic verses sprinkled all through pillars, ceilings, inner walls and concave domes and background of the main pulpit.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2025