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Jamia Masjid Sopore
Distant view of the Jamia Masjid Sopore
Religion
Affiliation	Islam
District	Baramulla district
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Active
Location
Location	Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir
Shown within Jammu and Kashmir
Geographic coordinates	34°17′21″N 74°28′22″E / 34.2891°N 74.4727°E / 34.2891; 74.4727
Architecture
Type	Mosque
Style	Koshur, Mughal
Date established	17th century (17th century)
Specifications
Length	54 m
Width	22 m
Minaret(s)	0
Spire(s)	3
Materials	Burnt brick, stone, wood, lime mortar

Jamia Masjid Sopore (Urdu: جامع مسجد سوپور), also known as Jamia Qadim Masjid is a historic mosque located in Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The mosque was originally constructed in the 17th century during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is the largest mosque in the area and serves as a central hub for religious activities, especially Friday, Eid, and Shab-e-Qadr congregations. The mosque is situated on the banks of the River Jhelum, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

Architecture

The mosque is built in a distinctive T-shaped design, measuring approximately 54 meters in length and 22 meters in width. The structure incorporates elements of traditional Kashmiri and Mughal architecture.

• Materials: The mosque is primarily constructed using burnt bricks, stone, and wood, with lime mortar.
• Interior Layout: The interior consists of a single prayer hall, divided into three longitudinal bays, each running parallel to the Qibla wall. The central bay features a double-height space, illuminated by clerestory lighting.
• Roof and Spires: The mosque has a hipped, pitched roof. It is adorned with three decorative spires, known locally as "brangh," situated at the ridge ends of the roof.
• Windows: The original wooden pinjrakari (lattice) shutters have been replaced with modern, arched glazed window shutters.
• Carvings and Ceiling: The portico is decorated with intricately carved wooden spandrels in the arches, while the ceiling is constructed from plain tongue-and-groove wooden planks.
• Plinth and Superstructure: The plinth is made of ashlar masonry, while the superstructure is built using burnt bricks. The ground floor walls are plastered with cement, while the walls of the upper floors are finished with mud plaster.
  

Cultural and Political Role

The mosque has historically played a role beyond its religious function. During the Kashmir unrest, particularly between the 1990s and 2016, Jamia Masjid Sopore served as a gathering place for political dissent against Indian rule.

Historical Significance

According to local historical references, Jamia Masjid Sopore was constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the latter part of the 17th century. Over centuries, it has evolved into a prominent place for religious congregations, such as Friday prayers, Eid prayers, and special occasions like Shab prayers.

The mosque has undergone substantial modifications in recent years to adapt to modern needs, yet it retains much of its traditional architectural charm.

See Also

• Jama Masjid, Srinagar
• Khanqah-e-Moula

References

1. ^ "Jamia Qadim Masjid". The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA).
2. ^ Despatch, Kashmir (2019-10-25). "Friday prayers held at Jamia Masjid Sopore after 11 weeks". Kashmir Despatch. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
3. Sahni, Sati (1999). Kashmir Underground. Har-Anand Publications. p. 491. ISBN 978-81-241-0637-2.
4. Network, KL News (2017-03-17). "Stone pelting clashes erupt in Sopore town". Kashmir Life. Retrieved 2024-12-17.

• Mosques in Jammu and Kashmir
• Mosques completed in the 1600s