Downtown, popularly known as Shahar-e-Khaas, is the largest and the most densely populated area of the city of Srinagar in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The area is mostly located on the banks of Jhelum river about five km (3.1 mi) from city center. The area is considered as the core point in the city as the first inhabitants of the Srinagar lived there. In general, the whole area to the north of city centre Lal Chowk is considered a part of downtown although some areas hold high significance. The Jamia Masjid, Srinagar and many other shrines are located here, which makes it the central spiritual, religious, political and moral center of whole Kashmir.