Sidi Saiyyed Mosque : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, a beautiful 16th-century architecture in Ahmedabad, is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Built in the grand tradition of the Sultanate of Gujarat, this mosque has long been considered an important architectural marvel by travelers from around the world. The intricate carvings in this mosque are said to represent a harmonious blend of Hindu and Muslim art – an ability that was hard to find in that era. Not surprisingly, the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding to its historical and cultural significance. In this blog, we shall explore the interesting facts, information and a travel guide for this majestic mosque. Get ready to delve into the wonderful secrets of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque!

Interesting Facts About Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

1. The mosque is part of a larger complex known as the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque Complex, which consists of two stories and four pillars, making it a rare example of Islamic design in India.

2. The mosque was the last project of Sultan Ahmed Shah (1411 to 1442), the ruler of the Gujarat Sultanate.

3. The mosque is believed to have been built in 1573, making it one of the oldest mosques in India.

4. The mosque is renowned for its unique stone lattice carvings and its “Tree of Life” stone window.

5. It is said that the stone window of the mosque forms the shape of a palm and is believed to have been done as a tribute to the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

6. The mosque has also been featured in several milestones in Gujarat’s history, such as in the 17th century painting of the mosque by an Italian artist called Giovanni Antonio Panieri.

7. Popular legend holds that the four pillars of the mosque are actually the graves of four servants of the Sultan.

8. The mosque was badly damaged by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1656 and was then rebuilt by Sultan Muzaffar III.

9. In 2010, the mosque was reported to have had a holy aura around it, due to the presence of the famous Sidi Saiyyed legend.

10. The portal of the mosque is said to have a design inspired by the Islamic Creed, and its calligraphy is believed to have been done by a Turkish calligrapher.

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History & Information About Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, also known as Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, is an exquisite 16th-century monument located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Built during the rule of Sultan Ahmed Shah, it is one of the last masterpieces of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is renowned for its carved stone latticework, known as jalis, which depict a variety of geometric patterns and iconography, giving it the moniker of “The Stone Lattice of Sidi Saiyyed”.

The mosque is situated in the old city of Ahmedabad, which was the medieval capital of the Gujarat Sultanate from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The mosque was built in 1573-74 as part of the sultan’s palace complex, which included a public audience hall, palace, and garden. It occupies a prominent position flanking the eastern entrance of the complex, which is now known as the Teen Darwaza (Triple Gateway).

The mosque consists of two large bays with a mihrab, or a niche indicating the direction of the qibla which faces south towards Mecca. It stands on six pillars, with the central two pillars, which are the tallest, supporting a large arch that creates the ceiling of the mosque. The walls on both sides are filled with latticework, with each bay having three jalis consisting of a series of eight-pointed stars, rows of circle, and intertwined curly line motifs.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque has historical significance as it is believed to mark the end of Muslim rule in Ahmedabad. It is also said to be the site of the last meeting between Rana Sanga and Sultan Ahmed Shah, before the Battle of Khanwa – the last major battle of the Delhi Sultanate in India.

At present, the mosque is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is open for public viewing. It is one of the most iconic monuments in Ahmedabad and a popular tourist destination. It is also a venue for multiple cultural events, such as the annual 9-day Uttarardh Festival.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad is one of the best and most popular structure in the city. It is an amazing monument of Gujarat and is known for its beautiful Jalis(stone lattice screens) that decorate the walls of this mosque. This mosque is a must-visit for all tourists who come to Ahmedabad. Here is a travel guide to help you plan your visit.

Location: The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is located in Khadia, Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, India.

Hours of Operation: The Mosque is open daily from 8 am – 12 pm and 4 pm – 7 pm.

Entry Fee: The entry is free for all visitors.

Things to Do:

1. Admire the beautiful architecture – The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is decorated with intricately carved stone lattice screens, commonly known as Jalis, on its walls, that make it unique and stand out among other mosques in the city.

2. Explore the surroundings – Take a walk around the mosque and explore its surroundings to get a better understanding of the city of Ahmedabad.

3. Take photos – You won’t be able to resist taking photographs of the mesmerizing Jalis, so make sure to get your cameras ready.

4. Learn about the history – Read the history of the mosque and get a better understanding of the architecture and its intricate details.

5. Visit the nearby bazaars – Explore the nearby markets for some shopping or to try the delicious local cuisine.

6. Take part in a prayer – If you want to truly experience the culture and tradition of the mosque, then take part in a prayer.

7. Visit nearby attractions – There are a lot of other attractions near the mosque such as Bhadra Fort, Gandhi Ashram, and Sarkhej Roza that you can explore.

By following this travel guide, you will be able to make the most out of your visit to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Have a wonderful time!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Q. What is the history of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque?

A. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is a 16th-century mosque in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was built in 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, an African who served in Ahmed Shah I’s army and thus was honoured by the sultan with the title of “Sidi”. Its design is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architectureand it is renowned for the exquisite stone latticework or “jalis” on its window walls.

Q. How big is the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque?

A. The mosque is 55 feet long and 27 feet wide, with two large halls that each measure 21.3 x 8.53 metres.

Q. What are the architectural features of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque?

A. The most notable architectural features of the mosque are its ten stone latticework windows, which are considered a fine example of Indian art of stone carving. On either side of the mosque are two towers with battlements and finials. The mosque can also be identified by the delicately carved triple arches of its three entrances and its pointed arch windows. The interior of the mosque is also highly decorated, with ornamental plasterwork and glazed tiles.

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