The largest single dome mosque in Karachi,Masjid-e-Tooba.

Masjid-e-Tooba or Gol Masjid

Masjid-e-Tooba, famously known as the Gol Masjid, is one of Karachi’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture.

Location:

It is located in the heart of DHA Karachi, Masjid-e-Tooba beautifully blends spirituality with architectural brilliance, making it not only a sacred place of worship but also a symbol of the city’s cultural pride. Renowned for its striking architecture and spiritual ambiance.

Capacity & Grounds:

Prayer hall can accommodate approx 5,000 people. With terrace + lawns, total capacity is much higher (up to 30,000) considering outdoor areas.

Natural Acoustics System:

The mosque’s design provides excellent sound reflection, making the imam’s voice clearly audible to everyone without loudspeakers (originally). The shape of the dome acts as a natural amplifier, a remarkable example of architectural intelligence from the 1960s.

History of Masjid-e-Tooba:

The idea of building Masjid-e-Tooba was conceived in the mid-1960s, at a time when Karachi was rapidly expanding and developing into a modern city. The vision was to create another mosque, that would symbolize Islamic unity, simplicity, and strength

Timeline:

1966: Construction of the mosque began. 1969: The mosque was completed and opened for prayers.

Construction and its key features:

Single dome: The central idea was to construct a mosque with a single large dome that could cover the main prayer hall without any internal pillars, symbolizing unity and openness in worship.

Dome spans:

The dome spans 212 feet in diameter and is built on a low surrounding wall, supported by a ring of arches at its base.

White marble and acoustic engineering:

Construction used white marble and acoustic engineering so that prayers and sermons could be heard clearly without microphones in the early days.

Minaret:

A 120-foot-high minaret was added beside the dome, complementing the mosque’s skyline.

Built on:

The mosque is built on a plot of 5,570 square yards, surrounded by open lawns to accommodate additional worshippers during Eid and special events

Architecture:

Dr. Babar Hameed Chauhan, a Pakistani architect, designed the mosque with a vision to create a modern yet spiritual space.

Engineer:

Zaheer Haider Naqvi, the chief engineer, played a vital role in making the ambitious dome structure possible.

Purpose Behind Founding Masjid-e-Tooba:

In 1960s, during a time when Karachi was emerging as a modern metropolitan city. The mosque was envisioned not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Islamic unity and architectural progress.

Key features:

1.To Serve as a Landmark for Karachi 2.To Provide a Large Congregational Space 3.To Showcase Islamic Architecture in Modern Form 4.To Combine Faith with Engineering Excellence

Funding & Oversight:

The mosque was funded and managed by local authorities (under Karachi’s development projects at the time) with strong community and government support.

Religious & Cultural Significance:

Masjid-e-Tooba is not just a mosque—it is a symbol of faith, unity, and simplicity in design. The mosque represents Karachi’s rich cultural landscape and is often visited by: Tourists who admire its engineering wonder. Worshippers seeking peace and serenity. Students and architects who study its structural brilliance.

Who Gave the Task to Build Masjid-e-Tooba?

The mosque was planned as part of Karachi’s urban development projects in the 1960s, when Pakistan was focusing on building modern infrastructure and Islamic landmarks.

The task of designing the mosque was given to Dr. Babar Hameed Chauhan by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA).

A bold example of Pride:

Masjid-e-Tooba is not just a mosque, it’s a spiritual sanctuary, an engineering wonder, and a symbol of unity that showcases Pakistan’s faith, creativity, and craftsmanship.Masjid-e-Tooba in Karachi stands as a proud example of Pakistan’s architectural excellence and Islamic identity. With its breathtaking dome, vast prayer space, and peaceful surroundings, it continues to inspire awe and devotion.

Landmark:

Whether you are a worshipper, a student of architecture, or a traveler exploring Karachi, the Gol Masjid is a must-visit landmark.

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