Lahore, Pakistan
For 313 years, the Badshahi Mosque was the largest in the world. With
capacity for 100,000 worshippers on its grounds, it dwarfed the Taj
Mahal, a structure that could fit inside the massive courtyard. Although
the mosque seems like a tremendous religious structure, its history has
almost seen more use as a military base.
For the first 70 years after its construction in 1673, the mosque was
known simply for its great size, and was visible from almost 10 miles
away. The crown jewel of Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque was a symbol of
power in the Mughal Empire. Cursed by its size and location, when the
region was cast into civil war and overtaken by Sikhs, the mosque began a
new history of exploitation for military purposes.
At the turn
of the century, Sikhs were in control of Lahore, and began using the
mosque as a stable for horses and other military units. 50 years later
during the Sikh Civil War, guns were mounted on the 170 foot high
minarets to bombard a group that had taken refuge in the nearby Lahore
Fort. Throughout British rule, the mosque continued to be used for
military storage, and was in a bad state of preservation.
After
1947, when Pakistan became an independent Muslim state, the mosque was
returned to its original purpose, and extensive repairs were undertaken.
Repairs have happened continuously through 2008, and the Badshahi
Mosque is now almost restored to its original 17th century condition.
