About Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India. It stands in the old city of Hyderabad, just south-west of Charminar, on the road towards Chowmahalla Palace. The mosque can hold about 10,000 worshippers. Visitors come to see its huge prayer hall, its wide courtyard and the tombs of the Nizams, while believers come for daily prayers.

History

Construction began in 1617, in the time of Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah of Golconda. Work slowed after his death. It was finally completed in 1694, after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb took over the kingdom. Thousands of workers are said to have worked on it. The mosque gets its name from the bricks in its central arch, which are said to have been made with soil brought from Mecca. Much later, a building with the marble tombs of several Asaf Jahi rulers of Hyderabad was added on the south side of the courtyard.

What to see and do

• Look at the front of the mosque, with its five large arches and two minarets topped by small domes.
• See the prayer hall, which is very large, with a high ceiling and heavy stone arches.
• Visit the marble tombs of the Nizams in the building on the south side of the courtyard.
• Enjoy the large open courtyard, where many pigeons gather.
• Watch the life of the old city from the steps, with Charminar just a few steps away.

Best time to visit

Come in the morning or late afternoon, outside the main prayer times. Friday midday prayers bring very large crowds, so non-Muslim visitors should avoid that time. The month of Ramzan is a special time to see the old city, with evening prayers and food stalls around the mosque. The mosque itself is very busy then. October to February has the most pleasant weather for walking around the area.

How to reach

The mosque is a two-minute walk from Charminar. It is about 5 km from Nampally (Hyderabad) railway station, about 10 km from Secunderabad railway station and about 3 km from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). Many city buses go to Charminar. Autos and cabs can drop you near the Charminar pedestrian area, and you can walk from there.

Tips for visitors

• Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs. Women should carry a scarf to cover the head.
• Remove your footwear before entering the prayer area.
• Visitors of all faiths may enter the courtyard, but some areas, such as parts of the prayer hall, may be limited to worshippers.
• Stay quiet, and do not take photos of people while they pray.
• Security checks are in place at the gate, so carry only small bags.

Mecca Masjid is part of the old-city heritage walk on our Hyderabad tourist places page. It sits right beside Charminar, and Chowmahalla Palace is a short walk away. For a guided day around the city, see our One Day Hyderabad City Tour.