Why Sidi Saiyyed Mosque Is Must Visit Place In Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, a city with a great history and the land of many great rulers holds an enormous collection of significant architectural epitomes. This city has been ruled by numerous Islamic rulers, and each reign has left an imprint on Ahmadabad’s history. One of the major works from the Gujarat Sultanate is the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. Though surrounded by some of the lavishing 5-star hotels in Ahmedabad, this mosque's marvellous work that makes it a distinctive piece of art in this modern landscape
History The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is built by an Abyssinian named Sidi Saiyyed, who was a slave to Sultan Ahmed Shah. The structure came into being during the last year of Gujarat Sultanate, in 1573. It is part of some of the greatest architectural marvels in the history of Gujarat and is widely renowned for its glorifying beauty. The famous ‘Tree of Life Jali’ of this mosque is a significant feature of its structure. One can witness a blend of Indo-Saracenic style in its carved window screens. This historic mosque shows the influence of Islamic culture on the history of Ahmedabad and it considered as a prominent shrine for the Muslim community of the city. Architectural highlights Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is a majestic structure made of Yellow sandstone and exhibits an Indo – Islamic style of architecture. The entrance of the Mosque is simply designed with two minarets, while the rear section of the mosque is where all the meticulous work has been done. The rear wall is made of square shaped stones with geometrical patterns pierced into them. Highly appreciated work of the famous ‘Tree of life’ jail is a highlighting feature of the structure. There are in total of eight arched windows with stone carved jalis. According to sources, it is believed that 45 craftsmen were responsible for the work on these intricately designed screens.
There is a window that seems odd in structure. On the rear side, the central window is plain and is covered with stone. It is believed that the architect had special plans for that section, but it was during the invasion of the Mughals on the Gujarat Sultanate that they could not realise those plans leaving it the way it is. The building consists of a number of bays that flank the central aisle; this resembles the design of a tree. The floral designs of the mosque and the intricate carvings distinguish Sidi Saiyyed from other mosques.
Tourist’s guide to the mosque Book any of the hotels in Ahmedabad near airport to visit this places as it is just 9.7 km from the Ahmedabad airport. During one’s visit to this historical work of craftsmanship, one can experience a sense of peace and divine relaxation. Devotees of the Islamic region can be observed delivering their prayers and kids being summoned by the ‘maulvi’. Fridays bear a great religious importance for the Muslim devotees, who visit the mosque for mass prayer. The mosque opens early in the morning and closes after the evening ‘namaz’. Though there is nothing like a perfect moment to visit the mosque, the winter months between Novembers to February seems a perfect time to be in Ahmedabad. There is a market near the Mosque where you could find some shops selling models and status resembling the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. “Some of the recommended poolside restaurants in Ahmedabad are located in close
vicinity to the mosque. After delivering your evening prayers at the mosque, you could check in at some of the nearby hotels in Ahmedabad for dinner.”