Jamia Masjid is the spiritual and architectural heart of Old Srinagar. Located in the bustling Nowhatta area, it stands out with its huge courtyard, calm water tank and beautiful corridors lined with hundreds of wooden pillars. The four sloping pagoda-style roofs and the traditional Kashmiri woodwork make it very different from typical North Indian mosques. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful and spacious, offering a sudden sense of silence away from the crowded old-city lanes. On Fridays, thousands of worshippers gather for namaz, while the surrounding markets sell spices, dry fruits, kangris, pherans and handicrafts, giving visitors a strong feel of authentic Kashmiri city life.
About this place
History & highlights
The mosque was originally built in the early 15th century by Sultan Sikandar of the Shah Mir dynasty and later enlarged by his son Zain-ul-Abidin. Over the centuries it has been damaged several times by fires and restored again, each phase adding layers of history to its structure. The use of deodar wood, chinar trees in the courtyard and multi-tiered roofs reflects typical Kashmiri adaptation of Islamic architecture. Throughout history, Jamia Masjid has been not only a place of worship but also a centre of learning, public gatherings and community discussions, playing a key role in the religious and social life of Srinagar’s old town.
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