Centre of religion and resistance, Jamia Masjid in Old city Srinagar holds the biggest congregation in Valley. Built by by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri in 1394 AD, the Masjid was later extended by his son Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin.
With unique architecture, the Masjid has area of around 1,46,000 Sft. More than 350 Deodar pillars support the wooden ceiling.
The centre of attraction for whole year, in Ramdhan the scene in and around the Masjid is different- peace and tranquility. Mirwaiz family has traditionally been the chief preachers in the Masjid.
People from all areas of city and peripheries come and join the congregational prayers in Ramdhan. The resounding voice from pulpit goes wide and far.
The four way entry to the Masjid and majestic compound gives it a different look. The lawns are full of life with central pond being used for performing ablution.
Jamia Masjid in recent years have seen more closure than prayers. The overwhelming political turmoil in the Valley has kept it off the centre stage. Seen as centre of resistance by the successive regimes, the Masjid most of the Fridays is locked. The trend which started in Year 2008, after 1947 was frequented in 2016 by PDP-BJP coalition government as the authorities almost made the Masjid out of bounds for people and the Mirwaiz.
It is possibly the only Masjid in valley where anti-India speeches are made. Every week Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will deliver the Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid.
Whenever there is disturbance of Law and order Situation in valley, this masjid is first to have an impact.
