Jama Masjid, Delhi, Principal mosque in Old Delhi, India
The Jama Masjid is the principal mosque in Old Delhi and was built with red sandstone and white marble. Three bulbous domes rise above the structure, and two slender minarets reach toward the sky, while a wide courtyard opens between the prayer halls.
The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this structure after building several major monuments, and construction continued for over a decade until completion in 1656. The mosque was his final great project before imperial power began to decline.
Worshippers gather on Fridays for communal prayer in the courtyard, while smaller groups arrive throughout the week for daily rituals and moments of quiet reflection. Visitors sense the devotion of those who pray and the calm that settles over the space between the scheduled times.
Entry is available through three gateways that lead to different parts of the grounds, and visitors should dress modestly and remove footwear before entering. The structure remains open between prayer times, and guests should stay quiet and respectful during active worship.
The interior holds seven separate niches that face toward Mecca and guide worshippers during prayer. Persian calligraphy runs across the walls and arches, with inscriptions reproducing verses from sacred texts.
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