Mecca Mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India situated in the city of Hyderabad in the state of Telangana. Mecca masjid is one of the prominent landmarks that attract both tourists and pilgrims from all over India. Moreover, the Mecca Masjid at Hyderabad is one of the largest mosques in South India and has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 worshippers at prayers.

History of Mecca Masjid

However, the construction of this mosque started in the year 1614 by Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and it was Aurangzeb who completed it in 1693. Moreover, the mosque contains the tombs of the Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty from the year 1803.

The architecture of Makkah Masjid

In fact, the Mecca Masjid was constructed from huge granite boulders that were hewn locally. Small red bricks are said to have come from Mecca and are positioned above the central arch. In fact, there is a view of the main facade with five arched entrances. The prayer hall has five aisles, three bays deep. The circular corner minars, which have octagonal balconies, are small in height, The capping domes were later made by the Mughals.

The Mecca mosque has a length of 225 feet and is 180 feet wide with a height of 75 feet. The name is derived from the Grand Mosque in Mecca on which it is made. The hall has a dimension of 67 metres x 54 metres x 23 metres. The roof is made of 15 arches. Moreover there is a high blocking wall on the western side for Mehrab. It has two huge octagonal columns, which are created from a single piece of granite. In fact, this is done along an arched gallery crowned by a dome. This mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers at any time. It is close by to the famous Charminar.

Places to visit near Mecca Masjid

Nizam Museum

The museum is also known as Purani Haveli Museum. The museum has memoirs, gifts, souvenirs from all over the world, and was created on the wish of the last and the seventh Nizam, Asaf Jah VII, the museum takes us back in time into the lives of Nizams, who have ruled the city from 19th to 20th century.

Chowmahalla Palace

The name Chowmahalla means four palaces. The construction of the palace was initiated in the year 1750 by Nizam Salabhat Jung. It was Nizam Afzar-ud-Dawla Bahadur who saw that the palace was completed between the years 1857 and 1869. The palace covered 45 acres from Laad Bazaar on the north to AspanChowk Road which is on the south. The Chowmohalla complex is a copy of Shah’s Palace in Teheran, Iran. Presently the palace consists of two courtyards with graceful palaces, the grand Durbar Hall or the Khilwat. Gardens and fountains add to the elegance

Southern Courtyard is the oldest part of the complex. It comprises four graceful palaces Tahniyat Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Afzal Mahal, and Aftab Mahal. In fact, the main attraction of this area is the Bara Imam, which is a long corridor. It has rooms on the east wing, which once served as the administrative wing. Another stunning construction is the Clock Tower.

Charminar

It is the capital of Hyderabad and Telangana. Charminar is synonymous with Hyderabad. One can capture the famous Charminar.

Laad Baazar

Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar is a very old market popular for bangles located in Hyderabad, India. It is located on one of the four main roads that connect to the historic Charminar. The market is very old, since the time of the Qutb Shahis and the Nizams.

Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City is an integrated film studio complex located in Hyderabad, India. Nevertheless, the studio is open for the public People can visit the film sets, theme parks and amusement rides.

Telangana State Archaeology Museum

It is a museum located in Hyderabad, India. It is the oldest museum in Hyderabad. The museum has many interesting attractions such as Egyptian Mummy and Bust of Buddha.

Best time to visit Mecca Mosque

Mecca Mosque is worthy of being captured on your camera during the early morning and during the sunsets. People can visit the Mecca Mosque from 8 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 8 pm. Asaf Jahi sovereigns are entombed in the mosque making it a historical site worth visiting.

Moreover, the heritage building signifies the archaeological importance of the monument. it is one of the most visited cultural and religious places for the Muslim community. In fact, the sand from the holy Mecca used in its construction and belief that the hair strands of Mohammed Prophet along with other artifacts enshrined in the Mecca mosque make this place even closer to faith to Islamic society.

Follow India Chalk on Instagram for more amazing travel content. You can share your travel story with us. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]ndiachalk[dot]com. This blog is curated by India Chalk and written by Soumya Karkera.