Makkah Masjid

One of the oldest and biggest mosques in Hyderabad is Mecca Masjid. Although they ordered its construction in 1614, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah worked hard on it, and they didn't finish it until 1694. The mosque is one of four significant historical sites in the city. The other three are the Chowmahalla Palace, the Laad Bazaar, and the Charminar. It's close to the famous Charminar structure and easy to get to from anywhere in the city. It is one of the popular places to visit in Hyderabad.

What is the history behind Mecca Masjid?

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Qutb Shahi Sultan of Hyderabad, established the Makkah Masjid. He placed the first stone in 1614, and 8,000 laborers worked for 77 years to finish the building. Aurangzeb, who had defeated the Qutb Shahi dynasty, finished Mecca Masjid in 1691. He even ordered mosque repairs and upgrades.

In 2007, a bomb in the main prayer hall killed sixteen at Mecca Masjid. An alleged cell phone-triggered pipe bomb exploded near the Wuzukhana, where ablutions are performed. After discovering two more live bombs, cops dispersed them immediately. Although several identities circulated, the authorities were unable to find the offenders. Community spirit and faith in the Almighty helped them overcome this setback, and Mecca Mosque is now one of India's most frequented holy locations.

Unique features of Mecca Masjid's architecture

The grand arches and minarets of Mecca Masjid, a highlight of Hyderabad tour packages, use bricks made from dirt from Mecca. Architects thoughtfully designed the mosque's prayer hall to hold more than 10,000 people. It has beautiful Belgian crystal lights and inlaid designs. An important landmark in Hyderabad, it is a unique mix of Islamic design and a calm atmosphere.

Mecca Masjid's significance in Hyderabad

People believe that Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Quli family, laid the building's foundation stone. They used soil from the Holy Land of Mecca to make the arches above the main sanctuary. It is why they call it the 'Makkah Masjid.

The mosque is a significant pilgrimage place that holds the tombs of Asaf Jahan's and Nizam's rulers. A hair thought to belong to Prophet Muhammad has also been kept safe on the grounds of the Makkah Masjid.