Ancient Mosque_AaliMasjid

TANVEEN KAWOOSA
Walking around the notorious Eidgah in the heart of Srinagar City one cannot avoid the glimpse of ancient mosque called Aalimasjid. Once you are at the site, it does not take much imagination to summon forth scenes of past grandeur; of elegantly designed facade; of minarets ringing with the call of muezzin to prayer and of denizens entering in to the mosque. Alas! This ancient mosque is today a picture of neglect.
The green and rust leaves of chinars that lines the mosque on all sides clothe its courtyard in carpet and canopy. The intense stillness of the surrounding fills us with a sense of melancholy.
Historical significance
Aalimasjid was built in 1395 by Sultan Ali Shah, the seventh emperor of Kashmir. However contemporary historians argue that the foundation of the mosque was laid by sultan Sikander and after his death the building was completed by the succeeding ruler Ali Shah.
The mosque got burnt down during the reign of Abdullah Khan in 1800 A.D .A prominent Afghan ruler Gul Mohammad reconstructed the building in 1801 A.D.The mosque so built was a single story Structure with the ceiling supported on the wooden colonnade and surmounted by a low pitched sloping roof covered with layers of birch bark. The present structure dates back to this reconstruction with additional alterations carried out in 20th century A.D.
Back in those days, on the festive day of Eid prayers the mosque was specially decorated. Aali Masjid also served as prominent platforms for the freedom struggle during the Dogra rule in the early part of 20th century.
Ironic then, the mosque remained quite oblivious to the authors who wrote about the architectural marvels of Kashmir. Amongst the great monumental buildings associated with the Muslim rule in Kashmir one scarcely finds mention of Aali Masjid.
For this purpose INTACH, J&K chapter in collaboration with the department of tourism have undertaken restoration work to make the building functional place of worship. The main emphasis is on preserving the existing fabric of the building with least amount of interventions.
Ownership
Prior to 1947 the mosque was maintained by the Wakf headed by Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah. After independence the mosque was undertaken by Muslim Awquaf trust established by then PM of J&K, Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah. The trust was taken over by the state government in the year 2004 and renamed wakf board.
Fascinating architecture
The Aalimasjid follows a tradition of hypostyle hall which was universally adopted in the Islamic world while designing mosques. The prayer hall is surrounded by arcaded walls comprising two rows of pointed arched openings on all sides.
Centuries ago it would have been rich and fascinating experience inside the mosque. Pinjarkari work in the windows created drama of light and shade when the sunlight filtered in to its intricate openings. Replacement of these aesthetically pleasing windows has robbed off the splendour of mosque.
The repair work have also resulted in the loss of another unique architectural features namely roof. Traditional Kashmiri roof known as Burza pash comprised low lying pitched roof covered with Burza as a water proof material. The layer of bark would be covered with soil, planted with a variety of tulips, daffodils, and narcissus.
It was only in the beginning of the 20th century that the roofs were replaced with corrugated G.I sheets. The present day roof which was reconstructed by British engineers is partially dilapidated.
Sad state
The building was lying to rot, in sheer dilapidation .The stories abound in the deserted mosque The abandoned state of the mosque has given birth to enormous myths .Locals believe that the place is being invaded by the demons and ghosts.
Restoration efforts.
After comprehensive research and field observations INTACH J&K Chapter, an organization working for the preservation of heritage,   has undertaken restoration work to bring back pristine glory of this mosque without disturbing its historic character. The proposed conservation plan entails;  Preparation of Measured Drawing of the mosque. Condition and structural appraisal of the building.
Restoration proposal for damaged portions within building. Development proposals including landscaping and lighting of building.
Restoration proposal for interiors of the building
(decorative features and elements etc).
 Provision for infrastructural facilities linked to the functional requirement of the mosque. Restoration work is going in full swing. Hope these efforts will restore the historic character of the mosque, which once dazzled visitors with its unique aesthetic vernacular architecture.