Shah-i-Hamadan Mosque

Shah-i-Hamadan

Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani atau lebih terkenal dengan nama Shah-i-Hamadan adalah ulama yang telah membawa agama Islam dan menyebarkannya ke Kashmir. Shah-i-Hamadan adalah berketurunan Parsi dan ketika datang ke Kashmir, dia telah membawa seramai 700 orang bersamanya.

Khanqah-e-Moula, also known as Shah-i-Hamadan Masjid and Khanqah is one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, located in the Old City of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. 

picture from google

Situated on the right bank of the river Jhelum between the Fateh Kadal and Zaina Kadal bridges, it was first built in 1395 CE, commissioned by Sultan Sikendar. It is one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture, and is decorated with papier mache.

Shah-i-Hamadan is a beautiful 14th century painted wooden mosque of a style unique to the region. Visitors are not allowed to enter the building but are encouraged to peer in through the open doors.

picture from google

The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan in 1395 CE in memory of the Islamic preacher Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, the central figure involved in the widespread conversion to Islam in Kashmir. 

Also known as Shah-e-Hamadan (the King of Hamadan), the preacher came to Kashmir from the city of Hamadan in Persia in the 14th century. He is credited for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. In 1480 AD, the shrine was destroyed due to fire. The then ruler, Sultan Hassan Shah, expanded its premises and rebuilt it. In 1731 AD, the Khanqah was again destroyed by fire and then rebuilt by Abdul Barkat Khan.


Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani spread Islam in Kashmir
However, the greatest missionary whose personality wielded the most extraordinary influence in the spread of Islam in Kashmir was Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani of Hamadan (Persia) popularly known as Shah-i-Hamadan. He belonged to the Kubrawi order of Sufis and came to Kashmir along with seven hundred disciples and helpers.

Sayyid Ali Hamadani traveled widely – it is said he traversed the known world from East to West three times. In 774 AH/1372 AD Hamadani lived in Kashmir. After Sharaf-ud-Din Abdul Rehman Bulbul Shah, he was the second important Muslim to visit Kashmir.