After years of neglect, the grand ceremonial archway of the Mecca Masjid is undergoing extensive repairs. The gateway is covered with scaffolding and has been cordoned off. A smaller entrance is being used by the faithful as well as the visitors to enter and exit the mosque.
“The work on the gateway is part of the ₹8.4-crore project for conservation and restoration of the Mecca Masjid sanctioned by the State government. The work on the arch began on July 8, and we expect it to be restored to a robust state within the next two months,” informed Qadeer Siddiqui, superintendent of Mecca Masjid.
“Restoration work has been going on inside the prayer hall on the three domes of the southern bay nearing completion. They will begin work on the northern bay in the next few days,” informed Mr. Siddiqui. The archway was in a much better condition than the main prayer hall as coats of lime were applied at periodic intervals, mostly before festivals. “However, this repair will take into consideration the overall state of the arch and look at the structural issues as well,” said Mr. Siddiqui.
The Mecca Masjid is a big tourist draw in Hyderabad as visitors to the Charminar reach the forecourt where flocks of pigeons wheel in the air as large quantities of bird feed is thrown at them. Most visitors take in the sight of the grand arch and then leave the place after spending some time on the steps. Built in the seventeenth century, the Mecca Masjid has a dressed stone finish, unlike the lime mortar structures built in that period. The large funerary complex of the Asaf Jahi era is a later addition, and restoration work has been completed in the area. The other attached portions of the masjid would undergo repairs simultaneously with the main prayer complex, say officials.
Published - July 25, 2019 12:05 am IST
