Thursday, October 2, 2008

Charminar - Mosque of the four minarets

The elegant structure of the Charminar in Hyderabad is a vivid example of Cazia style of architecture comprising of granite and lime-mortar. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah built this Islamic architectural splendor in the year 1591. Charminar is the most famous landmark of the city and most tours to Hyderabad include the Charminar as an absolute essential. It is a must see if you are visiting Hyderabad.




The wonderful monument with its four arches is so proportionately planned that when the fort is opened one could catch a glimpse of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminar arches were facing the most active royal ancestral streets. At each corner stands a tall minaret, which measures more than 55 meters long and also have a double balcony. The monument has the signature style of Islamic architecture.

A mosque has been built on the western side on the open roof of the Charminar fort. You need to climb an array of 149 steps to reach the top of the fort. Once there, it is easy to feel the calm of the terrace and see life bustling below. In sharp contrast to the active and energetic life in the ground floor, the peaceful solitude in the upper part of the fort is quite relaxing. You can enjoy the passionate beauty of the Hyderabad city from this elevated height. You can get a bird's eye view of the city of Hyderabad from this elevation, which is quite a spectacular sight.

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