The mosque was built in 1630, though the minarets were rebuilt following a massive fire in 1898.
The facade contains vibrant floral murals typical of the Peshawar school of Mughal-era tile and plasterwork.
The prayer hall features an interior vaulted ceiling decorated with elaborate, multicolored floral patterns.
During the Sikh era in the 19th century, the mosque's minarets were reportedly used as gallows for public executions.
It is one of the oldest standing examples of Mughal architecture in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The Mahabat Khan Mosque is a 17th-century Mughal-era mosque located in the historic heart of Peshawar. It was commissioned by Mahabat Khan Mirza, the Mughal Governor of Peshawar, during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. The structure is built from brickwork with a distinctive prayer hall topped by three fluted domes. Its facade is adorned with intricate floral and geometric frescoes, while the interior features elaborate plasterwork and calligraphy. The courtyard features a central ablution pool and is enclosed by high walls that shelter the interior from the surrounding market noise. It remains a functioning place of worship for the local community. The mosque has undergone several renovations to address structural decay caused by humidity and age.
From the center of the courtyard, facing the main prayer hall to capture the alignment of the domes and the floral frescoes.
Hire a local guide from the nearby bazaar to help navigate the narrow alleyways of the Andar Shehr neighborhood.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the extreme heat and humidity that can cause discomfort inside the walled courtyard.
Avoid taking photographs of worshippers during prayer times as it is considered disruptive and disrespectful.
Visitors must remove footwear before entering the courtyard; women should cover their heads, and all visitors should dress modestly with arms and legs fully covered.
