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Return to Mango Grove |
Table of Contents |
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Wazir Khan mosque in Lahore was one of my favorite places to repeat visit in Pakistan. I first found it at the end of a long day exploring the old city of Lahore in 1995. Tired, beaten down by the sun and people; I walked up the front steps and found a place of peace. Inside people left you alone, it was open and uncrowded, and people were still and quiet. The open square with symmetrical Mughal architecture was soothing to the mind. The fantastic tile work provided pleasant complex visual patterns to relax to. After just twenty minutes inside, I felt fully refreshed and ready to return to the bazaars. |
 Here
is the entranceway to the mosque, where the guy at the front takes your
shoes. One ascends up a steep flight of stairs to reach the entrance, removing
oneself from the hustle and bustle of life to consider life's higher meanings. |
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The perfection of form, open style, and setting of this mosque help a calming, thoughtful state. It felt like a sacred spot, and became one to me as a refuge in the midst of crowded old city bazaars. It was the answer to my muttered prayers dodging the reckless motorcycles and animals among the busy bazaars. |
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 The
front section of the mosque, we are facing Mecca in this view. Inside, there
were prayer areas and study areas for a boisterous class of boys who were
happy to have me as a distraction from their lesson. |
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All
Material Copyright © Mark Felten 1999 -
All rights reserved.
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Corner
minaret stretching to the heavens. Every
bit of this mosque is covered with colorful mosaics, of trees and plants
mainly. Symmetrically replicated around the mosque, even the tilework
reflects the overall aesthetic feel of the building. When you enter, something
feels different about this place.
Birds
circling the courtyard, looking from the back of the courtyard.