The mosque of Mullah Shah is unique in that it comprises a quadrangle or courtyard mosque within a surrounding quadrangle. The outer quadrangle consists of the main entrance gateway and a series of cells on the north, with an extension on the western side. The cells (hujra or khilwatgah) are said to have been used by members of Mullah Shah’s entourage for solitary worship. Another possible interpretation is that these rooms served as residences for the masons in Mullah Shah’s workshop. The eastern facade of the mosque is across a spacious lawn with three mature chinar trees. A square depression in the middle of the open area suggests the possible location of the ablution tank or hauz. Further to the east, a staircase leads to rooms at the lower level that form the caravanserai.
The mosque is built of a masonry core clad with fine-dressed limestone. On certain facades, delicate Arabic calligraphy from the Quran can be seen. The entrance portal is decorated with a beautiful stone guldista. An intricate floral stone frieze marks the plinth on the outer facade. A number of small holes are punched into the decorative designs of the mosque walls within the courtyard, but their function is yet to be understood.
The mosque consists of four linear halls or iwans surrounding a small paved courtyard approximately 30 x 30 feet. The eastern hall is the main prayer hall with the mihrab and mimber opening out onto the courtyard through a second portal, in turn, surmounted by the main dome of the building. The upper floor of the mosque comprises a low-height gallery looking onto the courtyard below. The height of this gallery makes it impossible for it to be used for prayer. The mosque suffered some damage during the earthquake of 20051.
1 An Architectural Legacy by Feisal Alkazi, 165-167.