Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu
The holy ancient Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu is located in District Ghanche of Gilgit Baltistan. In the past, this mosque was a worship place for the Buddhists around 700 years ago, later then it was converted into a beautiful mosque when the people of this region accepted Islam. This mosque is very popular in the world having the architecture inspired from the local designs and valley of Kashmir architects. This mosque is constructed with the combination of Persian, Kashmiri and Tibetan architecture and is made of stones and wood.
The masjid is fully wood cravings around the interior and exterior. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the region, when the area’s mass population converted from Buddhism to Islam. The Govt of Pakistan has been listed on a Pakistan’s National Heritage Site and is the first tourist point in the district of Ghanche. Coming to the architecture, the mosque is constructed in a similar style to the Roman opus criticism. The mosque consists of three floors.
![Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-4.jpg)
What is meaning of Chaqchan?
According to the local people, the Chaqchan drives from a Balti word Shaqchan which means equalize (Insaaf Karne Wala). It another meaning is “The Miraculous Mosque” shares similar architecture as those built in Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir Valley. According to local tradition the mosque was built by Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA).
![Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-4.jpg)
Who build Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu?
According to some sources the mosque was built by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani however, some says on arrival of Shah Syed Muhammad Noorbakhsh to Baltistan, the local ruling Raja accepted Islam and commissioned the building of the mosque in 1370.
There is also a very big Khanqah in Khaplu city which name is Khanqah Mualla Noorbakshia Khaplu Bala, which is the largest Khanqah built by mud and wood in the region of Gilgit Baltistan. The mosque was built by Mir Mukhtar Akhyar, a Sufi buzruk of Nurbakshi order around 400 years ago.
![Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-5.jpg)
Before Islam what was the religion of Khaplu people?
During the regime of Muqeem Khan the ruler of Khaplu, Buddhism was the religion throughout Baltistan. When a Sufi Buzruk, Syed Shams Uddin Iraqi came along later and finished what his forerunner had started, converting the entire valley to Islam.
Architectural Influences (Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu)
The Chaqchan Mosque is a holy ancient mosque having architectural drawing mesmerizing fusion of Tibetan, Mughal, and Persian styles. The whole construction refers the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped the region over the centuries. The mosque’s design includes a double story complex, featuring a semi basement, ground floor, and a distinctive turret crowning the structure.
Beautiful Walls of Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu
The walls of Chaqchan masjid Khaplu are more attractive having Islamic architecture. The walls are a marvel in themselves, composed of carefully wooden slabs that create a sturdy frame having remarkable sides. These wooden walls, daubed with mud, showcase a construction technique reminiscent of the Roman opus, known for its exceptional weatherproofing properties. In Baltistan region, the weather remains cold more times throughout the year, so therefore, this method has proven to be resilient in the harsh winter conditions that often prevail in the region.
The holy ancient mosque “Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu” has witness to this profound transformation and continues to hold spiritual and historical significance.
Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu is a Spiritual Diversity
The holy mosque Chaqchan Masjid serves as a symbol of unity and diversity within the local community and also the visitors. The mosque is devoted to the Nurbakhshia sect of Islam, which counts a substantial portion of Ghanche’s population among its adherents.
![Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6210493434_0e8baca9fa_z.jpg)
Tourist Attraction
Every tourist who reach Khaplu city, they intends to visit the holy ancient mosque “Chaqchan Mosque” which holds a prominent place as the first tourist attraction in the district of Ghanche.
The visitors who venture to this ancient site are not only treated to breathtaking architecture but are also transported back in time to witness the cultural and religious transformations that have shaped the region. As they explore this living testament to history, they gain insight into the enduring legacy of the Chaqchan Mosque in the heart of Khaplu. As the characteristics of Islamic architecture include domes, arches, minarets, Muqarnas vaulting work reflect the influences of Christian architecture. A beautiful dome is a rounded vault on the roof of a building. These all things are we can see in this mosque.
![Chaqchan Masjid Khaplu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-2.jpg)
Efforts by District Administration Ghanche
Being a historical and holy ancient mosque, the Chaqchan Mosque has earned recognition from the Government of Pakistan as a Pakistan Heritage site. Its historical value, architectural significance, and cultural heritage have prompted extensive conservation efforts to ensure its preservation for future generations. However, there is dire need to care this beautiful mosque architecture to safe. District Administration should take appropriate steps, there should be available every facility for the visitors and tourist.