Sidi Saiyyed Jali is located in Lal Darwaza, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is sixteen feet in size. It is a heritage sight.
About the Structure
It is built with yellow sandstone in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture of Gujarat. The roof of the mosque is flat. Its semi-circular arched windows with intricate latticework or jalis are very famous because of its unique design.
Here are some key details about the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque:
1.History:
The mosque was built in the late 16th century, around 1573-1574 AD, during the reign of Sultan Ahmad Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad. It was constructed by Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) nobleman who served as a prominent slave of Sultan Ahmad Shah I.
2.Architecture:
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque showcases splendid Indo-Islamic architecture. It is relatively small in size and is famous for its intricately carved stone latticework, especially the latticed windows (jalis). The jali screens are renowned for their delicate intertwining patterns, with the most famous being the “Tree of Life” motif.
3.”Tree of Life” Jali:
The most iconic feature of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is the beautifully carved stone window depicting the “Tree of Life.” It is located on the western wall of the mosque’s inner chamber. This intricately designed jali is composed of intertwining branches, leaves, and a palm tree with a palm date cluster at the top.
4.Mosque Design:
The mosque has ten semicircular windows (jalis) that are adorned with elegant stone tracery work. The central arch of the mosque is slightly more prominent and ornate than the others. The entire structure is built with yellow sandstone, which gives it a unique and warm appearance.
5.Cultural Importance:
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque holds significant cultural and historical importance. It has become an emblematic symbol of Ahmedabad’s rich architectural heritage and craftsmanship. The “Tree of Life” jali from the mosque has even been adopted as the symbol of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
6.Accessibility:
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is easily accessible and open to visitors of all faiths. It is situated in the bustling area of the city, near the Lal Darwaja, and can be reached conveniently by various modes of transportation.
Visiting the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque offers a chance to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the stone carvings and experience the spiritual ambiance of this historic place of worship.
7.Nearest attractions of this place
Parimal Garden: If you are going to this mosque with family, you should also visit this garden. It is 2.65 km far from this mosque. You will get swings for children, Park for couple to spend quality time and there is also available laughing club for elders. It is best nearest place for you.
Jama Masjid: It is 0.72 km far from Sidi saiyyed mosque. It is a very big mosque. If you are going to Ramzan month, you should also visit this place. Lots of people open fast together here. people who are on their work like vendors or who are passing from there. People take food from home and go to picnic here. Food provides on Iftar time in Ramazan. Those who need food to open fast will get food here. The scene is looking very peaceful when lots of people pray and open fast together. You should go for peace as well as enjoy here.
Kankaria: It is 3 km far from sidi saiyyed jali. If you have further time to enjoy, you can visit kankaria. Evening time is best to visit here. You can also watch Naginavadi show. It is musical dancing fountain with laser show.
Is Sidi Saiyyed a “Mosque“?
yes, Of course. Sidi Saiyed is a Mosque. It is also called Sidi Saiyyed ni Jali and Sidi Saiyyed Jali Masjid.
What is the timing of Sidi Saiyyed Jali?
The Sidi Saiyed Mosque opens a whole day. The visit time is from 7 am to till 6 pm. I suggest you not to visit on prayer time if you don’t like crowd. Specially on Friday this is more crowdy place. Muslims go to offer Friday Namaz here. Because Friday is a special day for muslims.
Is there any entry fee of Sidi Saiyyed Jali?
There is not fee to enter this holy place.
Why is Sidi Saiyyed Mosque famous?
Basically Sidi Saiyed mosque is famous for it’s jali windows around the world. Because it has carvings which is the representation of tree of life. Artist represent this tree believed that tree growing in paradise(Jannat) in Islam.
Who built this place?
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was build by Sidi saiyyed, a Habshi nobleman in 1572-73 (Hijri year 980).
About Sidi Saiyyed, a Habshi nobleman
He was learned man with a valuable library. He was very kind because he provide food and shelter to poor people as a hero. Sidi Saiyyed was died in 1576 and his tomb is near the north wall of compound.
What is the time of Jumma Namaz here?
The Jumma Namaz time is 1:45 pm in Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. It is crowdy place on Friday namaz time. So, I suggest you reach before time there.
If you like visit heritage places you can also visit Teen Darwaza. It is a famous and budget friendly market. Everything available here which you want to buy. It is very big market.
Also read Manek Chowk. A famous place for street food.