Mecca Masjid is a place of profound historical and cultural significance in Hyderabad. Nestled in the city's heart, it stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and religious diversity.

This revered mosque, with its grand architecture and storied past, draws visitors worldwide seeking to explore its sacred halls and learn about its intriguing history.

As it is said, the older the place, the more mysterious it is. Let’s unravel the mysteries and comprehend the importance of the Mecca Masjid.

Construction began in 1614 during Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah's reign and was completed in 1694 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The structure of the mosque took 77 years to complete.

Emperor Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah himself laid the foundation of Mecca Masjid. The construction was temporarily stopped after Quli Qutub Shah's death. Later, Tani Shah and Abdullah Shah continued it in 1687, and when Aurungzeb conquered the Golconda kingdom, he completed the construction in 1694.

The mosque's name is derived from the Mosque in Mecca because the bricks used to build this Mosque were directly from the sacred city of Mecca.

The mosque was noticed by a French traveller, Jean-Baptise Tavernier, who was awestruck by the spectacular architecture of the Masjid. Later, he noted in his travelogue, “It is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town, which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed.”

Let’s unfold the architecture of Mecca Masjid, which took 77 years to complete.

• Mecca Masjid is built in Indo-Islamic architectural style and features intricate minarets, pagodas, and floral motifs. It is considered the best architectural work of Qutb Shahis.
• About 8000 labourers were required to build this great monument. A gateway just before the path features a huge pond of water with two stone benches aside.
• The prayer hall of the Masjid measures about 220 feet in width and 75 feet in height and can accommodate more than 10,000 people at a time.
• It comprises two minarets, topped by a dome and a balcony connecting them. The mosque's courtyard measures 108 square metres and contains a sundial and a hammam.
• Towards the southern end of the mosque are the marble tombs of Asaf Jahi rulers and their family members.
• 15 designed arches decorate the roof of the hall. Two columns, octagonal in shape, support the mosque and are designed from a single granite stone.
• The hall features crystal chandeliers on the ceiling, enhancing the structure's beauty. The mosque has five passageways and tombs belonging to ‘Asaf Jahi’.
• There is also a room in the courtyard treasuring ancient relics. The doors and walls are carved with the inscriptions of the Holy Quran.

1. Best Time to Visit Mecca Masjid

The best time to visit Mecca Masjid is between October to March, as the weather remains slightly chilly. You can visit the mosque during Ramzan month as the place is well decorated during the auspicious festival.

2. Mecca Masjid Location

Mecca Masjid is located at Load Bazaar Road, Khilwat, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana.

3. Mecca Masjid Timings

• Days - Every day of the week
• Opening Time - 4 am
• Closing Time - 9:30 pm

4. How to Reach Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad?

• Nearest Airport to Mecca Masjid Hyderabad: Visitors can reach Mecca Masjid from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, 23 km away. APSRTC Airport cruiser transports passengers from the airport to Mecca Masjid in 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Nearest Railway Station to Mecca Masjid Hyderabad: Nampally Railway Station, Hyderabad, is 4.5 km from Mecca Masjid. One can also travel via train and then book a cab or taxi to reach the mosque, which takes nearly 30 mins.
• Nearest Metro Station to Mecca Masjid Hyderabad: Charminar Metro Station is the nearest metro station, which is 1 km away from Mecca Masjid.

5. Entry Fee of Mecca Masjid

There is no entry fee for visiting Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.

6. Mecca Masjid Nearby Places to Visit

If you are visiting Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, here are some nearby places you must add to your list to visit.

1. Charminar
2. Chowmahalla Palace
3. Tahniyat Mahal
4. Mahtab Mahal
5. Salar Jung Museum
6. Nizam Museum

• The Mecca Masjid was built from 1614 to 1694, taking 77 years. 8,000 workers worked on its construction.
• Emperor Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of the Masjid, never missed his midnight prayer since he was 12. Hence, he laid the foundation of the mosque himself in 1914. He also founded Charminar.
• The construction was stopped after the emperor's death and continued in 1687. Hence it took this long to build a mosque.
• The mosque houses tombs of all Asif Jahi rulers except the first and last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.
• In 2007, the mosque was the site of a pipe bomb explosion. 8 people were killed, while 58 were injured.
• Women and non-muslims are not allowed inside the prayer hall.

Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad is a significant cultural and religious landmark, embodying centuries of history and tradition. Visitors should respect the mosque's sanctity by following appropriate attire and conduct. Understanding the mosque's historical significance enriches the experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of its architectural splendour and spiritual significance.