Noorbakhshi Sufi Order and its Role in Promoting a Unique Islamic Architectural Heritage

Abstract

One of the contemporary Sufi Orders in South Asia is the Noorbakhshi Sufi Order which is active in the areas of Baltistan, Kargil and Ladakh. This Order is named after its eponym Shah Syed Muhammad Noorbakhsh, a 9th century Hijri Sufi saint and Muslim jurisprudent. He played significant role during 820-869 AH to promote Sufism and Muslim unity. The Order gained tremendous popularity in Kashmir during the early decades of 10th century AH as a result of missionary efforts of Mir Shamsudin Iraqi a top ranking disciple of Noorbakhsh. The unique aspect of Noorbakhshia is that it has both the identity of a Sufi Order as well as an Islamic sect. Islam was spread in this region by Noorbakhshi Sufi saints. Shah Hamdan, Mir Shamsudin Iraqi, Shah Nasir, Mir Abu Saeed, Mir Mukhtar and Mir Yehya are some of the pioneer Sufis who came here from central Asia and Kashmir. Besides developing a peaceful and tolerant society, they introduced a unique Islamic architecture in the form of wooden mosques, khanqahs and shrines. In this regard, the first and foremost building is the Khanqah-e-Moalla Srinagar founded by Shah Hamdan in 783-786 AH. Majority of the later mosques and tombs is the replica of that. During 11th and early 12th century AH Mir Mukhtar Akhyar, took this Islamic architecture to its glory by constructing a large number of mosques and khanqahs in Baltistan, Kargil and Ladakh. The most important feature of these buildings is profuse use of wood in almost every part of the buildings. The art of fine wood carving and decorative geometric patterns make these buildings master pieces of architecture and a great legacy of mankind. Several mosques and shrines have been preserved with the support of UNESCO.