Towards the end of the 19th century, Nawab Mohammed Fazaluddin, son of Paigah noble Sir Viqar-ul-Umra, visited Córdoba in Spain and was in awe of the beautiful Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
It was remarkable for its arches, domes, and geometric design, which greatly influenced him.
Bringing Moorish Architecture to India
Upon returning to Hyderabad, he desired to replicate its elegance in his hometown. Thus, in 1900, he constructed the Masjid Iqbal-ud-Daula (more commonly referred to as the Spanish Mosque) in the Paigah Palace area of Begumpet.
Whereas most Indo-Islamic mosques adopt native architecture, this mosque utilized Moorish-Andalusian architecture that included horseshoe arches, slender minarets, and ornamentation reminiscent of places such as the Alhambra or the Great Mosque of Córdoba.
It's unique all-white exterior made this mosque distinct from traditional Indo-Islamic mosques. It also possessed more European design elements, leading to the name "the Spanish Mosque of Begumpet."
A Symbol of Hyderabad’s Cosmopolitan Spirit
This development is still known as one of the most unique and impressive monuments of Hyderabad - a symbol of cross-cultural inspiration, and the cosmopolitan spirit of Hyderabad during the Nizam era.
This mosque is known as one of the very few mosques in the world that people mistake for a chapel until the call to prayer begins.
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