History of Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
The Gujarat Sultanate is reputed to have built some of the most amazing Islamic structures, not only in Ahmedabad but the entire state of Gujarat; and the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is one of them. This mosque was completed in the last year of their rule and was built in the year 1572 to 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, who had come to Gujarat from Yemen and served Sultan Nasir-Ud-Din Madmud III. Sidi Saiyyed is also famous for being a nobleman who empathised with the poor and helped them. Under the British rule, the mosque began to be used as a government office. Presently, the monument is under the purview of Archaeological Survey of India.
Architecture of Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
The mosques built in this era are so amazing regarding architectural finesse that they beat some of the best monuments in the country, and in fact, the entire world. Even though the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is smaller than the Jama Masjid, it is remarkable regarding the craftsmanship portrayed in its construction.
The entire structure is built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Yellow sandstone was used by the craftsmen for the construction of this grand religious place. Two minarets formerly existed in the front of the mosque, but have fallen over time. Their base, nevertheless, still exists. The back wall of the mosque is full of Jalis. The ablution pond is smaller than that of Jama Masjid but still manages to provide excellent opportunities to click some incredible photographs. The mosque has acquired worldwide name because of its beauty and is considered as the most prominent shrine for Muslims in Ahmedabad.
Jalis At Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
There are eight arched windows in all at the mosque, all of which are adorned with intricately carved jalis, which have majestic floral designs all over them. The stone slabs are designed in the form of trees, which according to the Hindu motifs are the Kalpa tree. This gives it the look of a palm with parasite motifs. The Sidi Saiyyed mosque is famous for its ten carved semicircular tympani windows having elegant tracery in the form of tree stems and branches. Each of the traced structure is 3 meters wide and 2 meters high.
The central window arch of the mosque, where the visitor would expect to find yet another intricately carved jali, is instead walled with stone. Historians believe that this is because the mosque could not be completed according to the original plan since the Mughals invaded Gujarat and the process had to be abandoned midway. Coming back to the stunning existing Jalis at the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, it is believed that 45 craftsmen in all had to work on these jalis day in and day out to finish them on time.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque Timings
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is open on all days from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.Similar to other mosques, the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque holds an important mass prayer every Friday. On Sundays, special sessions are held wherein the youngsters drop in for conversations with the elders and get clarifications about the Holy Book, Islamic religion and other doubts.
Best time to visit Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Without any second opinion, the best time to visit the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is between November and February in the winter months.
How to Reach Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
It is very easy to locate the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. The mosque is located opposite the Electricity House on the Salapose Road. It is also very close to Lal Darwaza; the main bus stand for the local buses of Ahmedabad. You can reach the mosque by hiring an auto, bus or taxi.
Top Tourist Places in Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Ashram
Dada Hari Wav
World Vintage Car Museum
Jhulta Minar
Kankaria Lake
Law Garden Night Market
All Tourist Places in Ahmedabad
Tips
1. Visitors are advised not to attend the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque on Fridays, the day of the mass prayer since there is a lot of crowd in the mosque on that day.2. You must leave your footwear before you enter the main mosque.
Photos of Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Comments on Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Post Your Comment
