Charminar ( Hyderabad, Telangana, India)

                                                Charminar ( Hyderabad, Telangana, India)                                                                          

• Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
• Built By: Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
• Built In: 1591 CE.
• Purpose:
  • To commemorate the end of a deadly plague in the city.
  • Built as a mosque and a symbol of Hyderabad’s foundation.

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Architectural Features

• Design:
  • Square-shaped structure with four grand arches facing in four directions.
  • Each arch measures 11 meters wide and 20 meters high.
• Minarets:
  • Four towering minarets, each 56 meters (184 feet) high.
  • Each minaret has four stories marked by intricately carved balconies.
• Material: Made of granite, lime mortar, and marble.
• Mosque:
  • A small mosque is located on the top floor of the structure.
  • The main prayer hall can accommodate a significant number of worshippers.
• Staircases:
  • Spiral staircases with 149 steps lead to the top of the minarets.

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Symbolism

• The four minarets are believed to represent the four caliphs of Islam.
• Symbolizes Hyderabad's cultural and historical heritage.

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Significance

• Acts as the icon of Hyderabad and a major tourist attraction.
• A hub for cultural, historical, and religious activities.
• Located near Laad Bazaar, famous for bangles and pearls.

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Interesting Facts

• The structure is illuminated beautifully at night.
• It is surrounded by bustling markets and remains the heart of Hyderabad's old city.
• Charminar is often called the "Arc de Triomphe of the East" for its grandeur and significance.