Suneri Mosque, Indo-Islamic mosque in Walled City, Lahore, Pakistan
Suneri Mosque is an Indo-Islamic mosque in the Walled City of Lahore, constructed from brick and featuring four tall minarets. It sits on an elevated platform above the bazaar, with a main courtyard containing a central ablution tank for ritual purification before prayer.
The mosque was commissioned in 1753 by Nawab Behkari Khan, the Deputy Governor of Lahore, during the decline of Mughal power in Punjab. It was built during a period of significant regional transitions and shifting political control.
The mosque reflects a blend of Mughal design traditions and local architectural influences visible in its proportions and decorative details. Visitors notice how it sits above the marketplace while remaining connected to the vibrant everyday life of the Walled City below.
Access is provided by a staircase of approximately 16 steps leading to the main courtyard, allowing visitors to reach the elevated structure. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and observe local customs, as this remains an active place of worship within a busy marketplace area.
The building finances its upkeep through rent collected from merchants whose shops are built into the structure beneath the elevated prayer hall. This unusual arrangement cleverly combines religious and commercial activity, making the mosque financially self-sustaining.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
