Introduction
Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest Masjids in Hyderabad, India that is still standing. It was built by the 6th Sultan of Golconda, Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. The construction work of the Masjid was started in the year 1614 and completed in 1693 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is also known as Makkah Masjid. The Mecca Masjid originally had a large courtyard which was surrounded by two side chambers and two minarets (towers). However today only one minaret remains and its base has been removed for construction purposes since then.
History of Mecca Masjid
The Mecca Masjid has a capacity of 10,000 people. It is one of the largest Masjids in India and also one of Hyderabad’s oldest Masjids. The central arch of the Masjid was constructed using bricks, made up of soil brought from Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mecca is the holiest site in Islam.
Architecture
The building itself consists of two main structures: a central prayer hall (minar-e-hazr) and an outer enclosure wall made up of arches supported by pillars on its sides. The minar-e-hazr has been described as having “a magnificent dome” which can accommodate up to 10 million people at once! This Masjid is also known as Makkah Masjid and has been designated as a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It has been built in the style of Charminar and Golconda Fort and it is one of the best architectural works of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The Masjid has a length of 225 feet and is 180 feet wide with a height of 75 feet.
Who built the Masjid?
The Masjid was designed by Mir Jumla and completed in 1693 at a cost of Rs 20 lakhs. A number of artisans were involved in its construction including Sadar-ul-Auf (Master Architect), Maulvi Abdul Rahim who laid out plans for its construction; Sadr ul Abadi who designed windows and doors; Qazi Syed Muhammad Tajuddin Khan Shah Bukhari Mirza Azam Jahani who supervised building works; Mirak Imaduddin Hussaini whose name appears on some decorative motifs; Ghulam Ali Khan’s son from whom he learnt carpentry skills before going abroad to Europe where he worked as an artist.
Specialities
- The Masjid has a large courtyard.
- There are two minarets on each side of the Masjid, one at each end.
- There is an ablution fountain in front of this Masjid.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mecca Masjid is during the months of October and April. The weather is pleasant during these months, with temperatures ranging from 10-30 degrees Celsius and low humidity levels (around 30%). There will also be little rainfall which makes it easy for you to travel by car or public transportation buses, trains or taxis within Hyderabad city itself.