Safa Mosque, Goa

The Safa Mosque, also known as the Safa Shahouri Mosque, is a mosque located at Ponda within Goa, India. The mosque has a complex consisting of garden and fountains. The terracotta tile roof accommodates a rectangular prayer hall. Completed in the 16th century, the mosque is an ASI-protected List of [Monuments of National Importance in Goa|Monument of National Importance in Goa].

History

According to V. T. Gune, the mosque was built in 1560 by the Bijapuri ruler Ibrahim [Adil Shah I], approximately from centre of Ponda. The mosque may be datable to the Adil shah period or even earlier. However, as the mosque doesn't bear any inscription nor is there historical records that mention its construction, the exact date is unknown. During Portuguese rule over Goa, the mosque was damaged and burned by the Portuguese. The mosque was left in ruins until it was partially reconstructed in the 1980s.