Hyderabad city, is home to many historic monuments of heritage significance and Mecca Masjid is one such centuries-old monument, located close to the famous Charminar. The construction of Mecca Masjid (also called Makka Masjid) was believed to have been started by Sultan Mohammad Qutb Shah of Golconda in 1617 A.D. and later completed by Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1693 A.D.The arched gallery in the premises of Mecca Masjid displays the tombs of all the Nizams from the year 1803.

The Architectural Glory of ‘Makka Masjid’

Built completely with local granite, Mecca Masjid is one of largest mosques in India. Mecca Masjid derives its name from the Grand Mosque in Mecca on which it is modeled. This is a major mosque in Hyderabad city, with a typical representation of the QutbShahi style of florid architecture.

The roof of this wonderful mosque is rested on 15 arches. The main hall of the mosque measures 75 feet in height, 220 feet in width and 180 feet in length. The fifteen arches fully support the roof related to the mosque’s main hall, with five on each of the three sides.

The main structure of this mosque is sandwiched between two massive octagonal columns. It is believed to be made from a single piece of granite. The four sides of the roof of the main mosque and the ramparts are made of granite planks in the shape of inverted conches. The mosque features two huge octagonal columns, which are created from a single piece of granite. This is in turn topped by an arched gallery crowned by a dome.

Religious Significance of the ‘Holy’ Mosque

The mosque is one of the largest in India, which also holds a prominent relic of Prophet Muhammad. According to legend, Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah invited all the devout religious elders in the city to lay the foundation stone.

This mosque is held in great reverence across the Islamic world since it is believed that some of the bricks on an arch to its northern side are made of earth brought from Holy Mecca in Arabia. There is a high blocking wall towards the western side for Mehrab. Mecca Masjid can accommodate about 10,000 worshipers at any time. Visitors who enjoy a glimpse of Charminar also visit the holy mosque nearby for its stunning architecture and grandeur.

The Islamic holy month of Ramzan witnesses the largest congregation of devout Muslims. Mecca Masjid, is a wonderful monument and a testimony to the age-old traditions and rich heritage of Hyderabad city.