The grand Mecca Masjid, located adjacent to the Charminar is the oldest
and largest mosque in the twin city. Even though the construction of this
majestic and imposing structure was started in 1617 by the 6th Sultan
Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, it was completed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
only in 1694. The hall of the masjid measuring 67 meters long, 54 meters
wide and 23 meters high can accommodate nearly ten thousand worshippers
at a time. The roof is supported by 15 graceful arches. The octagonal
columns on either side of the mosque and the stately entrance arches are
made up of single slabs of granite. Inscriptions from the holy Quran have
been intricately depicted on many of the arches and doors. It is believed
that bricks brought from Mecca were implanted in the walls of the central
arch and hence the name Mecca Masjid.
In the courtyard of the mosque, there is a beautiful man-made pond of
bluish water, flanked by two stone and slab seats. The masjid also houses
many ancient and sacred relics, one of which is the hair of Prophet Mohammed.
Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble tombs of members
of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Telangana 
