The Mosque/Shrine of Shah-i-Hamdan is the most important in Srinigar. Shah-i-Hamdan, who came from Persia in the 13th century AD was responsible for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. Khanqah-i-Mualla, on the banks of the Jhelum, was the very spot where Shah-i-Hamdan used to offer prayers. Upon his death, a shrine, ornately decorated with papier-mache on the walls and ceiling, was built in his memory.
The Khanqah mosque, known as the Shah Hamdan Masjid, sits on the right bank of the river Jhelum between the third and fourth bridges. It was built in 1395 by Shah Sikandar to commemorate the visit of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, known as Shah Hamdan. Fire claimed the mosque several times in the following centuries and the current structure, as seen today (except for the more recent cloisters), was sponsored by Abul Barkat Khan in 1732. This building, which now stands 38 meters tall contains the room where he stayed on his first visit to the valley, It is a beautiful model of wooden architecture of Kashmir, with engravings on walls. The sacred relics include the Islamic prophet Muhammad's flag and the pillar of Muhammad's tent.