Dabgir Masjid

History

Khusrau Khan Charkas built the mosque in 1588, and was made governor of Thatta in 1590 as the Mughals brought Sindh under direct rule. The building measures roughly 98 by 48 feet, with three bays under one large and two small domes. Its mihrab is stone worked in exceptionally delicate tracery, and its glazed tilework is among the earliest examples of the Thatta tile tradition that later covered the whole of lower Sindh.

Historical Significance

Often described as the oldest surviving monument in Thatta, and an early source for the blue tilework that became the signature of Sindhi architecture.

Architecture

A great brick mosque on the edge of Thatta, built in 1588 for Khusrau Khan Charkas — Mughal governor under Akbar, and the most prolific patron this city ever had. Its oblong prayer chamber runs three bays deep beneath one large and two smaller domes. Inside, faience revetment shows clear Iranian influence, while the stone mehrab, covered in the most delicate tracery, is local craft at its finest.

Why Visit

The beginning of Thatta's blue tile tradition, built by a man who gave the city hundreds of buildings and is now barely remembered.

Interesting Facts

• Khusrau Khan Charkas is credited with over 360 public buildings in Thatta
• He was a descendant of Genghis Khan, and became governor of Thatta in 1590
• The mosque is among the earliest examples of lower Sindh's famous tilework
• The stone mihrab is covered in fine tracery and is the finest single element in the building