Mecca/Makkah
Masjid, located in the heart of Hyderabad, India, is one of the largest and
oldest mosques in the country. Its name, "Mecca/Makkah Masjid" is
derived from the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as the central arch of the
mosque is said to have been made from soil brought from Mecca. The mosque is an
iconic symbol of Hyderabad’s rich Islamic heritage and stands near the historic
Charminar in the old city.
The
rest of the article is after the following photographs and video.
Reminiscing
our visits to Mecca Masjid and Charminar – Video:
History and Construction
Foundation:
The construction of the Mecca Masjid began in 1614 during the reign of Sultan
Muhammad Qutb Shah, the sixth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The mosque took
nearly 77 years to complete and was finished in 1693 under the orders of Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb.
Architecture:
The mosque is an architectural marvel, built primarily with granite. It is an
excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture with elements of Persian
influence. The main prayer hall is massive, measuring 75 feet in height, 220
feet in width, and 180 feet in length, accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers
at a time.
Notable Features
Granite
Blocks: The mosque is constructed from enormous blocks of granite, some of
which are said to weigh up to 40 tons. A massive structure comprising buffaloes
reportedly transported these blocks.
Main
Hall: The main prayer hall has 15 graceful arches—five each on three sides. The
roof is supported by these arches and a central dome.
Minarets
and Domes: Unlike many mosques, Mecca Masjid does not have towering minarets.
However, it features 15 intricately designed domes and three distinct façades.
Details:
The mosque is adorned with ornate floral motifs, inscriptions from the Quran,
and intricate latticework, which showcases the craftsmanship of the artisans of
that era.
Significance
Religious
Importance: As one of the most important mosques in Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid is
a significant place of worship for Muslims. It holds special importance during
Islamic festivals like Eid when thousands of worshippers gather here for
prayers.
Historical
Value: The mosque has witnessed centuries of Hyderabad’s history, from the Qutb
Shahi dynasty to the era of the Nizams and beyond. It has stood through
political changes, serving as a symbol of the city’s resilience and spiritual
legacy.
Modern Day
Tourist
Attraction: Today, Mecca Masjid is not only a place of worship but also a major
tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire
its architecture and experience its serene atmosphere.
Cultural
Hub: The mosque is part of the old city’s cultural fabric and is often visited
alongside other historic sites like the Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, and the
Laad Bazaar.
Mecca Masjid is a testament to Hyderabad's rich history and cultural diversity, blending architectural beauty with religious significance, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
