Hyderabad Makkah Masjid

Last updated: September 20, 2026

Makkah Masjid (also known as Mecca Masjid) is a historic mosque located adjacent to Charminar in a south-west direction in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is a state-protected monument and is regarded as one of the largest historic mosques in India. It is also the largest mosque in Hyderabad.

Built 1614–1693 225 ft × 180 ft 10,000 worshippers capacity Single-granite pillars Tombs of Nizams 4 AM – 9:30 PM*

Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad. Photo: Wikimedia

The Grand Mosque of Hyderabad: Built with local granite, Makkah Masjid is among the largest historic mosques in India and the largest mosque in Hyderabad. Its name is derived from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, after which it is traditionally described as being modelled. Bricks believed to have been brought from Mecca are incorporated above the central arch, according to historical and tourism sources.

The construction of the mosque began in 1614 under Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, and was completed under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1693, according to Telangana Tourism. Some contemporary and later sources give the completion date as 1694.

225 ft Length

180 ft Width

10,000 Worshipper Capacity

~80 Years Construction Span

A Construction Spanning Dynasties

The seventeenth-century French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689) visited Hyderabad during the period when the mosque was under construction. Later accounts of his travels describe the scale of the work and indicate that construction had continued for many years. The mosque was ultimately completed under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the late seventeenth century.

The Foundation Stone: According to historical tradition recorded by Telangana Tourism, Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah invited devout religious elders in the city to lay the foundation stone. When no one came forward, the Sultan himself is said to have volunteered to lay it. The same tradition states that he never missed his midnight prayer from the age of 12. These details are part of the historical tradition associated with the mosque rather than independently established documentary facts.

Architectural Grandeur – A Monument in Granite

The mosque has a length of 225 feet (69 metres), a width of 180 feet (55 metres) and a height of 75 feet (23 metres). The main hall has dimensions of approximately 67 metres × 54 metres × 23 metres, and the roof rests on 15 arches.

Single-Slab Granite Marvel: Makkah Masjid was constructed primarily from large blocks of locally quarried granite. The two huge octagonal columns flanking the western Mehrab are each formed from a single piece of granite. The columns are topped by an arched gallery crowned by a dome.

The prayer hall contains five aisles and three bays in depth. The circular corner minarets have octagonal balconies and remain relatively modest in height. The capping domes were added during the Mughal period.

Sacred Relics & The Holy Pond

The mosque complex features several elements associated with religious tradition and historical accounts:

The Sacred Relic Room A room in the courtyard is traditionally believed to house a sacred relic associated with the Prophet Muhammad.

The Bricks from Mecca Bricks above the central arch are traditionally believed to have been brought from Mecca, contributing to the mosque's traditional association with the holy city.

The Courtyard & Ablution Area The mosque complex includes a large courtyard and facilities associated with ablution before prayer.

The Tombs of the Nizams

The mosque complex contains the tombs of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty from 1803 onwards. Telangana Tourism states that the arched gallery displays the tombs of the Nizams from 1803. Marble cenotaphs are located in a separate enclosure within the complex.

Among the Nizams associated with the tombs at Makkah Masjid are:

Mir Akbar Ali Khan, Asif Jah III (Sikander Jah) (ruled 1803–1829)
Nasir-ud-dawlah, Asif Jah IV (ruled 1829–1857)
Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, Asif Jah VI (ruled 1869–1911)
Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII (ruled 1911–1948) – the last ruling Nizam of Hyderabad

Ornamentation & Artistic Details

The mosque incorporates several decorative and architectural features:

Quranic inscriptions and calligraphic decoration associated with the arches and entrances
The roof and interior surfaces of the main prayer hall with geometric architectural detailing
Ornate cornices around the structure
Floral motifs and friezes reflecting Persian and Deccani architectural traditions

Vast Capacity: Makkah Masjid can accommodate approximately 10,000 worshippers at a time, including the main structure and courtyard areas.

The 2007 Mecca Masjid Blast

18 May 2007: A bomb exploded inside Makkah Masjid during Friday prayers. The National Investigation Agency's case summary records nine deaths and 58 injuries from the blast. Contemporary reports also recorded that five additional people were killed in subsequent police firing during the violence that followed the explosion.

The blast was caused by an improvised explosive device. Two additional explosive devices were also reported to have been recovered and defused at the mosque.

16 April 2018: A special NIA court in Hyderabad acquitted the five accused who faced trial, citing insufficient evidence to establish the charges. Ten people had been named as accused during the investigation; not all of them faced trial.

Renovation & Conservation Efforts

Makkah Masjid has required conservation work addressing issues including roof deterioration, water seepage, masonry and mortar problems, electrical systems and general maintenance. The Telangana government sanctioned approximately ₹8.48 crore for major restoration and renovation work in 2017.

Conservation Programme: The 2017 conservation programme included repairs to the roof, treatment of water seepage and other structural and maintenance work. Telangana's Department of Heritage currently lists conservation and restoration projects for the main structure of Makkah Masjid, including a Phase-2 project, as well as conservation work for associated structures in the complex. Because restoration programmes can change over time, visitors should confirm the current condition and access arrangements before travelling.

Location – Heart of the Old City

Located approximately 200 yards (about 180 metres) from Charminar, Makkah Masjid forms part of the historic architectural landscape of Hyderabad's Old City. The mosque stands immediately beside the Charminar precinct and is also close to Laad Bazaar and other major heritage attractions.

Shopping at Laad Bazaar

Visitors can explore Laad Bazaar, a historic market located beside the Charminar. The market is particularly associated with:

Bangles – especially lacquer bangles decorated with stones and other embellishments
Jewellery and pearls
Traditional clothing and textiles
Hyderabadi handicrafts and decorative items

Visitor Information

Timings

Listed Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:30 PM daily
Note: These are general listed hours. Access to particular areas may be restricted during prayers, religious occasions, security checks or other mosque activities.

Entry Fee

No general admission fee is listed.
Visitor access and photography should follow the mosque's current instructions.

How to Reach

Location: Charminar Road, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500002
Nearest Landmark: Charminar, approximately 180 metres away
Metro: Metro services are available from stations in the central Hyderabad area, followed by an onward auto-rickshaw or taxi journey
Bus: Well connected by TSRTC buses to the Charminar area
Auto/Cab: Autos and taxis are available from other parts of Hyderabad

Best Time to Visit

October – March generally offers more comfortable weather for exploring Hyderabad's Old City.
Early morning can provide a quieter atmosphere, subject to prayer schedules and access restrictions.

Visitor Etiquette: Makkah Masjid is an active place of worship. Visitors should dress modestly, keep conversations quiet and follow instructions from mosque authorities. Shoes should be removed before entering areas where footwear is not permitted. Women may be asked to cover their heads. Visitors should avoid disturbing worshippers and should follow any restrictions during prayer times.

Visitor Tips – What You Need to Know:

Dress modestly – Wear respectful clothing appropriate for an active place of worship.
Remove shoes where required – Follow mosque instructions regarding footwear.
Avoid Friday midday prayer periods – The mosque can be particularly busy during Friday congregational prayers.
Visit early when practical – Early visits can offer a quieter experience, subject to prayer schedules and access rules.
Combine with Charminar – The historic monument is approximately 180 metres away.
Explore Laad Bazaar – The historic market is located beside the Charminar precinct.
Photography – Photograph only where permitted and avoid disturbing worshippers.
Carry cash – Some small vendors in the surrounding Old City markets may not accept cards or digital payments.

Photography Tips – Must-Capture Spots:

The granite facade – The monumental arches and granite construction provide strong architectural compositions.
The courtyard – Provides views of the mosque's large-scale architectural elements.
Architectural calligraphy – Where photography is permitted, decorative inscriptions and details provide close-up subjects.
The Nizam tombs – The marble cenotaphs are located in a separate enclosure within the complex.
Charminar from the mosque precinct – The close proximity allows the two historic landmarks to be explored together.

Nearby Attractions

Charminar Hyderabad's iconic 1591 CE monument with four grand arches and four tall minarets, located approximately 180 metres from Makkah Masjid. Laad Bazaar A historic market beside Charminar, particularly known for bangles, jewellery, pearls and traditional clothing. Chowmahalla Palace A historic palace complex associated with the Nizams of Hyderabad, known for its courtyards, Khilwat Mubarak and collections. Nizam's Museum A museum at Purani Haveli displaying artefacts, gifts and memorabilia associated with the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Salar Jung Museum A major museum in Hyderabad containing collections of sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, arms, textiles and decorative arts. Golconda Fort A historic hill fort and former Qutb Shahi capital, known for its fortifications, acoustics and panoramic views. Hussain Sagar A historic lake between Hyderabad and Secunderabad, known for the large Buddha statue on Gibraltar Rock and its waterfront.

Key Features Summary

Name: Makkah Masjid (Mecca Masjid)
Location: Charminar Road, Old City, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500002
Construction: Begun in 1614; completed under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1693 according to Telangana Tourism. Some sources give 1694.
Founder/Builder: Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah initiated construction; completed under Aurangzeb
Dimensions: 225 ft × 180 ft × 75 ft (approximately 69 m × 55 m × 23 m)
Main Hall: Approximately 67 m × 54 m × 23 m
Prayer Hall: Five aisles and three bays deep
Prayer Capacity: Approximately 10,000 worshippers
Architectural Features: 15 arches, large granite construction, two huge single-piece granite octagonal columns and Mughal-period domes
Sacred Traditions: A sacred relic associated with the Prophet Muhammad and bricks traditionally believed to have been brought from Mecca
Nizam Tombs: Tombs of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty from 1803 onwards
Materials: Locally quarried granite and traditional masonry materials
Status: State-protected heritage monument
Restoration Sanction: Approximately ₹8.48 crore sanctioned in 2017 for conservation and renovation
Listed Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:30 PM daily; access may vary according to prayers and mosque activities
Entry: No general admission fee is listed; visitor access is subject to mosque rules

Why Visit Makkah Masjid? – One of India's largest historic mosques | Begun in 1614 and completed under Mughal rule in the late seventeenth century | Monumental granite architecture | 15 roof arches | Capacity for approximately 10,000 worshippers | Traditional associations with Mecca and a sacred relic | Tombs of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty | Adjacent to Charminar and Laad Bazaar | A state-protected heritage monument.

References & More Information

Sources & Further Reading

Visit Telangana Tourism – Makkah Masjid

Makkah Masjid – Begun in 1614 under Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and completed under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the late seventeenth century, Makkah Masjid is one of Hyderabad's most significant historic monuments. Built largely from local granite, the mosque measures approximately 225 feet by 180 feet and can accommodate about 10,000 worshippers. Its complex includes the tombs of members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty from 1803 onwards, while traditional accounts associate the mosque with bricks brought from Mecca and a sacred relic. Located beside Charminar in Hyderabad's Old City, it forms part of one of the city's most important historic precincts. Since visitor access, timings, photography rules and conservation conditions can change, visitors should confirm current arrangements before travelling.