UPPER DIR: A historical mosque made of wood in Thal village of the picturesque Kumrat valley holds a fascination for tourists, who call it a masterpiece of architecture.

The Jamia Masjid stands alongside a road on the brink of the River Kumrat.

The residents said the mosque was built in the 19th century but a huge fire destroyed it in 1950.

They said the place of worship made of wood as well as stones was rebuilt in 1953.

Resident Gul Akbar said large pillars were used in the mosque’s construction with dozens of people carrying them on shoulders.

He said the mosque has two storeys and the second storey provided visitors with a spectacular view of lush green fields and the River Kumrat flowing through them. The resident said floral designs and motifs and other artwork embellished the ancient building.

The tourists said a visit to the Thal mosque doubled the pleasure of the Kumrat trip as it was a masterpiece of architecture.

Aqib Khan of Karachi said he and his friends visited the mosque and were mesmerised by wooden pillars and beautiful wall artwork.

He said he had found Kumrat valley more beautiful than what he had heard about it.

“Kumrat is paradise on earth,” he said.

Another tourist said he wondered how huge wooden pillars were brought in for the mosque’s construction as it looked impossible to carry them on shoulders.

Arsalan Bhatti of Lahore said he and his team members enjoyed snowfall the most.

He said the residents were very cooperative with and hospitable towards visitors.

Meanwhile, tourists are swarming Kumrat valley to enjoy snowfall.

They said though Kumrat was known as a summer destination, it turned out to be even more beautiful in the winter season, especially due to snowfall.

The local hoteliers expressed delight at the influx of tourists and said they would earn a handsome amount in the winter season. The tourists demanded the development of Kumrat valley, repair of the dilapidated road, and renovation of the Thal Jamia Majid to make it more attractive.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2020