Mecca Masjid Hyderabad History, Construction, Architecture and Facts

Mecca Masjid Quick Facts

Mecca Masjid Overview

Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest existing mosques in India, is located in Hyderabad, the joint capital of the Indian state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This mosque has special religious importance among the Islamic people as well as its historical importance and it is also a heritage site protected by the state government.

Mecca Masjid History

One of the largest mosques in India, the construction work of this mosque was started in the 16th century by the 6th Sultan of Golconda (present-day Hyderabad), Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah. The construction work, which started in the year 1617 under the supervision of Mir Faizullah Baig and Rangiyah Chaudhary, was completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1694. The work of this mosque continued even during the time of Abdullah Qutb Shah and Tana Shah.

Mecca Masjid Interesting Facts

1. A Single slab of granite was used in the huge pillars and arches for the construction of the mosque.
2. It took about five years to remove and carve the granite used in this mosque from the quarry.
3. Bricks made of clay brought from Mecca were used to make the central arch of the mosque, which was named Mecca Masjid.
4. This mosque was completed in 77 years by more than 8000 laborers working together.
5. This mosque is built on about 300 feet (91.44 m) acres.
6. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet in height, 220 feet in width and 180 feet in length.
7. A gallery of arches has been built on the top of the minarets on its side and on top of which there is a small dome and a spire.
8. On the four sides of the Roof of the main mosque, small granite domes have been made in the shape of an inverted cup on the balconies.
9. This mosque is actually situated in the middle of the place around which Quli Qutb Shah established his empire.
10. At one time, 10,000 people can offer Namaz (prayer) together inside the mosque.
11. There is a room in the courtyard of the mosque, which is said to have kept the hair of the prophet Muhammad's head.
12. The foundation stone of this mosque was personally laid by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
13. The marble tombs of the Asaf Jahi rulers are also built in this building made of raches. The graves of the Nizam and his family are also included.
14. Due to neglect of its maintenance and increasing pollution, this mosque has suffered a lot it was washed with chemical substances in the year 1995 to bring back its former beauty.
15. Historical buildings like Charminar and Chowmahala Mahal are also located near the mosque, and this mosque has gained a lot of fame as a tourist destination.
16. On May 18, 2007, an explosion occurred during Friday prayers at Mecca Masjid. Nine people were killed in the blast, while more than 58 people were injured in the blast.