Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Oct 2: The minarets of historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar are being renovated after 250 years by Anjuman-e-Auqaf of the Masjid under the supervision of the experts.
The renovation work is being done under the supervision of the experts so that it is being done as per the original design.
To reach the Masjid roof the walls of the four minarets have interior stairs in the circular form that end in the lounges of each minaret. The entire city of Srinagar can be viewed from these high minarets. The roof is constructed out of timber and iron bars. The birch bark over the roof was replaced in the past by corrugated iron sheets after they were damaged.
The Masjid was constructed in AD 1394, under the patronage of Sultan Sikandar Shah Sharmiri under the order of Mir Mohmmad Hamadani, son of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. Years later, his son Zain-ul-Abidin carried out the renovation and extension of the mosque. It witnessed several natural disasters and other calamities, but was renovated every time something happened. Maharaja Pratap Singh undertook the last renovation of this Masjid.
The Masjid presents a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which is a blend of Indian and Mughal styles. The impressive structure has 370 wooden pillars that speak of architectural excellence. It is a major tourist attractions in the old city.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a tweet today: “Alhamdulillah, Restoration work in progress on the heritage minarets of the historic #JamaMasjid after gap of around 250 years .Under the supervision of experts work undertaken by Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid.”
“Mirwaiz chaired a meeting of the members to take the stock of ongoing repair and restoration work at Jamia Masjid under the supervision of experts. He also took on the spot inspection of administrative works and overall cleanliness drive in and around Jama Masjid,” a statement issued by Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jamia Masjid said.
“Despite limited resources with the Anjuman this work has been untaken by them with the help of experts to preserve the minarets and restore them to their original beauty. While repairing these minarets extreme care is being taken to maintain their originality,” said the statement.
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