Shah Hamadan Masjid, situated on the right bank of the Jhelum River, is an excellent example of indigenous wood architecture that draws inspiration from Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic architecture. Constructed by Sultan Sikandar and dedicated to the memory of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, a Muslim saint from Hamadan, Persia, this mosque also serves as a khanqah. In the Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazal, there is mention of a saint living in Srinagar and founding this monastery in his name.
The Shah Hamadan masjid neatly fits this local typology of mosque architecture. It has a square plan measuring approximately 75′-6″ (23m) on each side and sits on an irregular walled base composed of materials from ancient temples. It is a two-storeyed, two-tiered structure with gently sloping, pyramidal roofs differentiating each tier. The roofs are further emphasized by heavy woodwork done on the cornices under the eaves. The first tier has double-arcaded verandahs running continuously around the building, the only break being for the canopied main entrance.
Shah Hamadan Masjid.
