Mecca Masjid also known as `Makkah Masjid` is one of the largest mosques in India accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers. It is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad and is a listed heritage building in the old city of Hyderabad, now the capital city of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Mecca Masjid also known as "Makkah Masjid" got its name from the belief that the bricks inserted over the central arch were baked out of clay brought from Mecca, and also from the grand mosque at Mecca on which it is patterned. It took more than 8,000 workers and took 77 years to complete the construction of the mosque.
History of Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is located in Hyderabad and lies within hundred yards to the southwest of Charminar. The construction of Mecca Masjid was started by Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah; the work continued during the reign of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana Shah and was completed in 1694 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Architecture of Mecca Masjid
The intricate architecture of this ancient mosque attracts many tourists from various corners of the world to the city. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long. Fifteen arches, five on each of the three sides, support the roof. There is a high wall which is designed to provide the "mehrab" blocks the western side.
The main structure of the mosque which is made out of a single piece of granite is built in such a way that it looks as if it is squeezed in between two massive octagonal columns. 
The cornices that run around the entire mosque structure and the floral motifs and friezes over the arches are the other huge attractions of this mosque. The parapets on the four sides of the roof on the main mosque are decorated with granite planks in the shape of inverted conches perched on pedestals.
A room in the courtyard is believed to house the relic of the Prophet Mohammad. Many arches and doors are adorned with inscriptions from the Qur`an, which disseminates holy messages among the devotees. The entrance courtyard of the mosque comprises the marble graves of Asaf Jahi rulers. It also houses the tombs of the Nizams and their family. The mosque is a listed heritage building but lack of proper maintenance has cracked the structure. It received a chemical wash in the year 1995.
In the year 2007, a bomb exploded inside the Makkah Masjid killing more than ten people and injuring dozens.
Visiting Information
Mecca Masjid is easily connected with the two states- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Hyderabad has got its own airport and railhead which are well connected with other major cities of India. In terms of road connectivity, visitors can avail city buses from any point of the city.
