Mecca Masjid

Construction of Mecca Masjid began under Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1614 and was finally completed by Aurangzeb in 1693, after Aurangzeb's siege had already ended Qutb Shahi rule in Hyderabad. Bricks brought from Mecca by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah were embedded in the central arch above the main gate — hence the name. The prayer hall is 75 metres wide and 67 metres deep, supported by 15 enormous arches and built largely from a single block of granite said to have taken five years to quarry and transport. The courtyard accommodates 10,000 worshippers. A walled enclosure on the eastern side holds the tombs of the Asaf Jahi (Nizam) rulers of Hyderabad, who ruled the city after the Qutb Shahis until 1948. Mecca Masjid sits 100 metres south-west of the Charminar, and the two are a single visit. The narrow pearl and bangle bazaars between them are still active. Non-Muslims may enter outside prayer times; women are directed to a separate gallery. Photography of the interior is restricted but the courtyard is fine. Friday afternoons see the heaviest congregation and the mosque is essentially closed to tourists between 12 noon and 2pm.