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Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, popularly known as Sidi Saiyyed ni Jali locally, built-in 1572-73 AD, is one of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad, a city in the state of Gujarat, India.
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque Also known as the Jaaliwali Masjid, it was built in 1572 AD by an Abyssinian named Sidi Saeed or Sidi Saiyyed. He was part of the retinue of Bilal Jhujhar Khan, a general in the army of the last Sultan of the Gujarat Sultanate. He came to Gujarat from Yemen and served Sultan Mahmud-III. He lived near the outer wall of the Bhadra Fort and a recluse named Ubban Shaikh had started to build a brick masjid in the area.
After Shaikh’s untimely demise, Sidi Saeed took it upon himself to complete the construction of the masjid. The Jaali has two interwoven trees (Banyan tree and palm tree) with lofty branches and detailed carvings of flora in the background. The Kalp Vruksh is an ancient design idiom in Hindu mythology, also popularly known as the wish-fulfilling tree, while the palm tree is famous for its Arabic connotations.
The mosque is entirely arcuated and is known for its ten intricately carved stone latticework windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have reticulated stone slabs carved in designs of intertwined trees and foliage and a palm motif. This intricately carved lattice stone window is the Sidi Saiyyed Jali, the unofficial symbol of the city of Ahmedabad and the inspiration for the design of the logo of the Indian Institute Of Management Ahmedabad.
The central window arch of the mosque, where one would expect to see another intricate jali, is instead walled with stone. This is possible because the mosque was not completed according to plan before the Mughals invaded Gujarat.
How to Reach Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
By Road
Gujarat has one of the better-developed road networks in India. Ahmedabad is well connected with all major cities and towns by road. State and private buses are a great option to travel between smaller towns in the state.
By Train
Major Indian cities are also connected via the Ahmedabad railway station that lies on the western railway’s network.. The main railway station is located in the Kalupur area. This station falls under the prominent national railway circuit and is connected to all major cities of India. India’s first bullet train project will be connecting Mumbai to Ahmedabad by December 2023. It will run at a speed of 320kmph and cover the distance in 3 hours.
By Air
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad connects all major cities in India and key cities abroad to the state.