Historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan battles decay

Old Khanpur, located along the scenic banks of Khanpur Dam, is witnessing growing alarm over the deteriorating condition of its historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan, a structure believed to be more than 150 years old. Once a proud symbol of the region's architectural heritage and spiritual life, the mosque is now rapidly falling into disrepair due to prolonged neglect and the absence of systematic conservation efforts. Locals, historians and visitors alike have raised serious concerns over the condition of the centuries-old mosque, urging immediate intervention from the relevant authorities. The structure, widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural landmarks of the area, is reportedly suffering from extensive weathering, structural fatigue and a lack of routine maintenance. Residents lament that despite its historical and religious importance, the mosque has been largely overlooked by heritage conservation bodies. Set against the once-celebrated natural beauty of Old Khanpur's valleys, the site continues to embody the cultural and spiritual identity of the region, even as visible cracks, eroding surfaces and weakening foundations threaten its survival. According to local elder Haji Saeed, the area was once renowned for its picturesque landscape, traditional settlements and vibrant cultural fabric. He expressed regret that many of its historic sites are now being left to decay. "The mosque's minarets, ancient graves and adjoining shrine all narrate the story of a glorious past," he said. "Unfortunately, the absence of effective conservation measures has placed this heritage at serious risk." Adjacent to the mosque lies an historic graveyard, containing generations of burial sites and weathered gravestones dating back centuries. Residents report deteriorating boundary walls, fading inscriptions and sinking graves, all of which have intensified calls for urgent restoration and protection of the entire complex. The site is also closely associated with the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Syed Sakhi Inayat Bukhari, whose shrine continues to attract devotees and visitors. Locals argue that the mosque, shrine and graveyard should be preserved as a unified heritage complex to safeguard the region's historical continuity and religious significance. There are also growing appeals directed towards the descendants of the Rajgan family, whose ancestral graves are located within the premises, urging them to take a more active role in preservation efforts. Tourists visiting Khanpur Dam have similarly expressed concern over the mosque's deteriorating condition, calling on both provincial and federal governments to declare it a protected heritage site and initiate immediate restoration measures before irreversible damage occurs. Historical accounts indicate that Jamia Mosque Rajgan was commissioned in 1872 by Sultan Raja Jehandad Khan, the great-grandfather of the current Gakhar chief, Sultan Raja Shiraz Haider Zaman. Constructed using traditional materials such as red brick, stone and lime mortar, the mosque reportedly took a decade to complete and was built by skilled artisans from across the subcontinent. For decades, it served as the principal centre of worship in the region, hosting daily prayers, Friday congregations and major religious gatherings attended by thousands. Although the adjoining palace was demolished during the development of Khanpur Dam, the mosque still stands as a powerful reminder of Old Khanpur's heritage. Local citizens continue to urge the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, along with archaeological and tourism departments, to incorporate the site into a formal conservation programme. They further propose the development of a heritage village to promote cultural tourism. Officials from the district administration have reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured residents that the matter will be forwarded to senior authorities for consideration. For the community, however, the message remains clear: preserving the mosque is not merely about saving a structure, but about safeguarding an irreplaceable legacy of identity, history and collective memory.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/V1qBctf