Hidden Gem Alert: All About Hyderabad’s Spanish Mosque

The Spanish Mosque, situated amid Hyderabad's bustling streets, is a striking example of the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage. This magnificent building, also called Masjid Iqbal Ud Daula, is a harmonious fusion of Mughal and Spanish architectural styles, making it a unique and captivating sight for tourists. With its colourful mosaic tiles, intricately carved arches, and majestic domes, the Spanish Mosque is a sight to behold. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a moment of tranquillity, the Spanish Mosque offers an unforgettable experience that captures the diversity of Hyderabad's culture.

History

The Spanish Mosque was commissioned in 1906 by Sir Viqar ul Umra, the prime minister of the Nizam at the time and a Nawab of the noble Paigah family. It is said that he started its construction after travelling to Spain and being deeply inspired by the Córdoba Cathedral–Mosque. The Spanish mosque's exterior and interior are mostly reminiscent of Jama Masjid Gulbarga in Karnataka, India, and the Cathedral-Mosque of Córdoba in Spain. The Nawab also commissioned the construction of Hyderabad's famous Falaknuma Palace and Paigah Palace.

The Spanish Mosque showcases state-of-the-art interiors and architecture. Though the nawab couldn't live long enough to see its completion, his wishes were further fulfilled by his son and heir, Nawab Sultan Ul Mulk Bahadur, who completed the construction of the mosque in Begumpet. Diverging from traditional mosque designs with bulbous domes, the Spanish Mosque showcases unique architecture, incorporating elements of Islamic art. Its minarets are adorned with spirals, and atop the centre, a crescent moon sits. The mosque can accommodate around 3,000 individuals simultaneously and also houses the tombs of the Paigah family members.

Architecture

The mosque is also referred to as the Mosque of the Moors because of its unique Hispanic (Moorish) architectural style, which is one of its kind in India. The distinctive feature is the spires, which give this mosque a church-like appearance instead of the typical minarets or domes. Right from its inception, this mosque has been maintained and managed by the successors of Paigah Amir Sir Viqar-ul-Umra.

Built in 1906, the mosque boasts unique horseshoe-shaped arches that are reminiscent of Moorish architecture from North Africa. This mosque is noticeably devoid of the typical domes and minarets. Spirals offer an interesting colour play between golden and pale yellow with jaalidar or latticed panels in between.

With its arches and pillars, the Spanish Mosque's hall exudes a very European vibe. Instead of the usual Arabic calligraphy, the Spanish Mosque's walls have Turkish calligraphy. Both the priest's podium and a basic bookshelf have a more church-like appearance than a mosque. The only giveaway is the carpet, which is traditionally Islamic.

Structure

The Spanish Mosque is constructed of stone masonry up to the basement and brick masonry in lime mortar for the superstructure. The Spanish Mosque's roof is made of brick and lime concrete with a jack arch design supported by iron girders. Brick and stone masonry are used to build the domes, minarets, and minor turrets, and lime mortar is used to plaster the outside.

There is a perforated screen in the Spanish Mosque's central dome. The columns also have the same octagonal shape as the upper dome. The courtyard's boundary walls insulate the faithful from outside clamour and disturbance.

Getting there

People usually take an autorickshaw from Begumpet station to get to Prakasham Nagar (where this church is located). Bus passengers may board at the Secunderabad bus stop, as it is a convenient link to the Begumpet region.