Tile patterns
Under the domes.
Yasir Dora — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sadiasarfraz — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mhtoori — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Madiha Naqsh Siddiqui — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Asultanahmad — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Shah Jahan Mosque, the Friday Mosque of Thatta, is a red-brick mosque with white domes and long arcades of arches around a broad courtyard. It is famous for the blue and turquoise tiles that cover its iwans and domes inside with geometric and floral patterns. It was built in the 17th century under the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who ordered it as thanks for the hospitality of the people of Sindh when he took refuge in Thatta. It is considered to have the most elaborate display of tile-work in South Asia, and is also known for its geometric brickwork, unusual in Mughal mosques. It shows the influence of Central Asian architecture. The Makli Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies nearby. You walk the courtyard and arcades and stand beneath the domes to see the coloured tile patterns; a long pool runs through the garden in front. It is in eastern Thatta, about 94 km in a straight line east of Karachi. Dress modestly; women should cover their heads. Avoid prayer times.
Under the domes.
Around the courtyard.
In the garden.
Eastern Thatta, Sindh
Yes, modestly dressed, outside prayer times.
Yes, the necropolis is very close.