Khanqah-e-Moula

The Khanqah-e-Moula, also known as Shah-e-Hamadan Masjid and the Khanqah, is a Sunni mosque located in the Old City of Srinagar, in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated on the right bank of the river Jhelum between the Fateh Kadal and Zaina Kadal bridges, it was built in 1395 CE, and was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar in memory of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. It is held to be the first khanqah — mosques associated with specific saints — in the Kashmir Valley. It is one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture, and is decorated with papier mache. The mosque structure is a Monument of National Importance. == History == The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan in 1395 CE in memory of the Islamic preacher Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, the central figure involved in the widespread conversion to Islam in Kashmir. Also known as Shah-e-Hamadan (the King of Hamadan), the preacher came to Kashmir from the city of Hamadan, Persia in the 14th century. He is credited for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. In 1480, the shrine was destroyed in a fire. The then-ruler, Sultan Hassan Shah, expanded its premises and rebuilt it.