Moghul Masjid: Mumbai’s Blue Mosque Is A Hidden Sanctuary Of Persian Art

Mumbai rarely reveals its secrets to the unassuming eye. Its bustling streets, colonial architecture, and historic gateways have captivated poets, filmmakers, and dreamers alike. Yet, tucked away from the typical Mumbai cacophony, Moghul Masjid, or the ‘Blue Mosque’, feels like an accidental dream. One minute, you’re elbow-deep in Bhendi Bazaar, dodging carts and shouts, and the next, you’re swallowed by a quiet. The mosque, with a pond and shimmering blue tiles, seems a world apart, far from the jostling streets just steps outside.

Tucked away from the typical Mumbai cacophony, Moghul Masjid, or the ‘Blue Mosque’, feels like an accidental dream. One minute, you're elbow-deep in the pulse of Bhendi Bazaar, dodging carts and shouts, and the next, you’re swallowed by an eerie quiet. The mosque, with a pond and shimmering blue tiles, seems a world apart, far from the jostling streets just steps outside.

Built in 1860 by Haji Mohammed Hussain Shirazi, a wealthy Iranian merchant, Moghul Masjid is an Iranian Shia mosque that transports you to a world of Persian artistry and spiritual calm. Upon entering the mosque, you’re struck by a surreal tranquility, a world apart from the chaos of the surrounding streets. The intricate blue mosaic tiles on the walls glimmer in the sunlight, giving the entire structure an ethereal aura. These tiles, shipped from Iran, echo Shiraz’s architectural style, bringing a touch of Persia in the heart of Mumbai.

The mosque’s meticulous design captures the heart of Persian architecture. With its two minarets and absence of a dome, the Moghul Masjid defies the typical architectural elements of mosques in Mumbai. Inside, the ‘hauz’ or central pool, once a place for ablutions, is now a decorative feature that enhances the mosque. The pond, along with lawns and flowers, creates a scene of peace rarely found in this city.

For the city’s Iranian Shia community, the mosque is more than a sacred space. It’s a living relic, a connection to their heritage, and a reminder of the cultural exchanges that shaped Mumbai. In a city where leisure is often a luxury, the Moghul Masjid serves as a combined space for relaxation, spirituality, and community.

Despite its age, Moghul Masjid has kept up with the times. In 1996, the mosque underwent a significant restoration under architect Reza Kabul. Again in 2017, as it approacheed its 160th year, it saw another renovation. This time, handmade Iranian tiles, tinted windowpanes, and energy-efficient lights brought  new life to the mosque’s interiors, while preserving its heritage. Even more groundbreaking was the mosque’s decision in 2013 to allow women into the main prayer hall during special occasions, marking a first in the mosque’s long history.

Next door to the mosque lies an Irani hamam, a traditional Turkish bathhouse and the last of its kind in India. Established alongside the mosque in the 1860s, this bathhouse was once a popular gathering spot for Iranians in Mumbai, who came here to relax and unwind. Although it’s now a shadow of its former self, the hamam remains functional, offering a rare glimpse into Iranian customs that survived relentless modernization.

The Moghul Masjid stands as a testament to Mumbai’s unique ability to merge diverse cultures into its urban fabric. In the 19th century, Persian merchants flocked to Bombay, drawn by its booming trade. These traders built mosques, community centers, and imambaras that continue to serve the Shia community. Their legacy lives on in the mosque’s walls, the Persian tiles, and the stories etched in every corner of the Moghul Masjid.

In a city that never stops, Moghul Masjid offers a rare sanctuary of silence and beauty. It’s a reminder that Mumbai, with all its pace and pressure, still holds spaces that honor the cultural histories and traditions of those who came before. For travelers and locals alike, it’s a place to pause, reflect, and remember the layers of stories that make this a city like no other.

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