Dar-ul-Salam Masjid Thal
Jama
Masjid Dar-ul-Salam is located in Thal, the last village in Dir Kohistan.
Situated on the banks of the Panjkora River, this Masjid holds the distinction
of being the most famous and ancient Masjid in Dir Kohistan. The Masjid comprises
two sections: the upper floor, constructed in 1999 with galvanized sheets, and
the lower part, which was built in 1865. In 1953, a part of the Masjid was
damaged by a fire, but it was rebuilt by the local community.
At
that time, woodcutting machines like saws were not available. The local people
constructed the Masjid using axes and created such intricate carvings on the
wooden planks that even people today would be amazed. Among these carvings, the
circular pattern stands out prominently. This circular motif is also found on
ancient buildings, tombs, and stones in areas ranging from Nooristan Konar to
Dir, Swat, Chitral, Abassin Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pamir.
It
is commonly believed that this Masjid was built solely by the people of Thal,
but this is incorrect. The construction of the Masjid involved contributions
from other villages in Kohistan Dir, including Thal, Kalkot, and Kenur Lam
(Lamuti). Inside the Masjid, there are three large beams; one installed by the
people of Thal, and the other two by the people of Kenur Lam and Kalkot.
Transporting these beams from the forest to Thal and then placing them on the Masjid
’s roof resulted in many people being martyred or injured.
Until
recently, the Masjid also served as a jirga hall for the Dardic tribes settled
in Upper Panjkora. The local elders would gather here to resolve disputes
between the tribes and maintain law and order in the area, a practice known
locally as Lamu Aman.
Every
year, thousands of people visit this magnificent example of ancient Dardic
civilization located on the banks of the Panjkora River. There are no
restrictions on photography or the entry of women inside the Masjid. Anyone can
enter, view the Masjid, and take pictures.
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