Abbasi Mosque

Situated within the magnificent Derawar Fort, Abbasi Mosque is popularly known as Abbasi Masjid Bahawalpur or the Shahi Abbasi Jamia Masjid.

Completed in 1835-1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan, this mosque remains at the center of Bahawalpur’s cultural and religious heritage.

Located deep inside the Cholistan Desert, more than 100 kilometers from Bahawalpur, the Abbasi Mosque is a stunning architectural wonder that epitomizes the grandeur of the Abbasi dynasty.

Historical Legacy

The Abbasi Mosque Bahawalpur was designed in 1835-1849 by Nawab Bahawal Khan, the ruler of Bahawalpur and a prince in the Abbasi dynasty. This mosque was constructed alongside the fore of a prominent Derawar Fort that served as a military and a residential center for the rulers of Bahawalpur.

That name is commonly known as the Abbasi Jamia Shahi Masjid Qila Derawar; the mosque became a spiritual refuge for Abbasi rulers, their families, and even travelers who passed by the area.

The new Abbasi great mosque was constructed to reflect Nawab Bahawal Khan’s desire to reinforce the Islamic identity of Bahawalpur. Then, Bahawalpur was one of the free princely states; the Abbasi Masjid was necessary for the city’s cause and flourished as a renaissance of the local culture and religion.

Location: A Desert Oasis

The Abbasi Mosque Bahawalpur is in the heart of the Cholistan Desert, situated in Derawar Fort, about 100 km southeast of Bahawalpur.

Due to its distant location, no traveler has been able to visit this place yet. To reach the Cholistan Abbasi Mosque, one has to cross endless, dry lands dotted with dunes against the background of nomadic encampments.

Access to this Mosque in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, is by road, making it more adventurous.

Architectural Style

The architectural style of the Abbasi Mosque follows traditional Islamic architecture with a blend of local design elements, creating a fusion that stands unique to Bahawalpur.

The mosque’s hall is one of its most notable features, measuring 16 feet wide and 128 feet long. This hall is the main prayer area, offering ample space for 10,000 worshippers.

Exterior & Interior

The Mosque in Bahawalpur is one of the architectural wonders that greatly influenced the architectural style. It reminds me of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. It is almost entirely made of white marble, giving it an exquisite look with the desert sun. The mosque’s interior is designed to be a place of peace and reflection, emphasizing simplicity while showcasing Islamic art.

Key Exterior Features of the Mosque:

• Three Domes
• Four Minarets
• White Marble Façade

Key Interior Features of the Mosque:

• Islamic Calligraphy
• Prayer Hall
• Mihrab

Role of the Abbasi Mosque Bahawalpur in Today’s World

The Cholistan Mosque in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, remains operating as a mosque, and it is still the place of worship for the local population and visitors.

Major religious events, such as Eid, bust the mosque grounds with activity as far-flung villagers and townspeople report for prayers.

The Masjid is not just for religious purposes but also to symbolize the Islamic culture in Bahawalpur and the rich history of the Abbasi dynasty, thus ensuring that it will be preserved and used in the future.

A Must-Visit Landmark for Tourists

Travellers to Bahawalpur and the Cholistan Desert must not miss visiting Mosque Derawar—the mosque and Derawar Fort glimpse the region’s rich history and architectural genius. For the tourist, the white marble surroundings are enticing enough, and the spiritual ambiance of Abbasi Great Mosque draws visitors.

The route of Cholistan Mosque provides locals with a look at the raw allure of the desert and the wealth of culture behind the walls. For history enthusiasts, architecture fans, or spiritual explorers, Abbasi Jamia Shahi Masjid Qila Derawar is a site to behold.

Gallery

Top Attraction near Abbasi Mosque

• Derawar Fort – Adjacent to Abbasi Mosque
• Cholistan Desert – Surrounding area
• Royal Graveyard of the Abbasi Family – Walking distance from Abbasi Mosque
• Drawar Village – Just outside Derawar Fort
• Lal Suhanra National Park – ~100 km
• Bahawalpur City – ~100 km

Hotels Near Abbasi Mosque

Here are some hotel options near the Abbasi Mosque and Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert area. Since the mosque is in a remote location, most accommodations are in Bahawalpur City, approximately 100 km away:

1. Hotel One Bahawalpur – ~100 km
2. Four Seasons Restaurant & Guest House – ~100 km
3. The Grand Regency Bahawalpur – ~100 km
4. New Premier Hotel – ~100 km
5. Arabian Lodges Bahawalpur – ~100 km

Camping near Derawar Fort is also an option for an immersive desert experience. Local tour operators often organize itduring events like the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally.