Mecca Masjid calls for attention

By J.S. Ifthekhar

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 2. While the fabled Charminar is hogging all attention for whatever reasons, a monument of equal importance at a stone's throw is being given a short shrift.

The Mecca Masjid, also a listed heritage building, merits immediate notice. The exterior of the grand mosque is getting disfigured with black stains and patches appearing all over. The magnificent mosque is plagued with serious vegetative growth. The huge octagonal column on the right side, which is made of single piece of granite, has developed cracks - a result of poor maintenance.

The 75-feet high mosque, built in local granite, is one of the largest in the country. Its roof is supported by 15 arches, five on each of three sides. At each end are two octagonal columns and it is here that the granite stone has become disfigured. A look at the mosque from rear portion shows the amount of disfigurement.

According to Mr. M.A. Qayum, Deputy Director, Archeology Department, the Mecca Masjid was given a chemical wash in 1995 at a cost of Rs. 57,000. The parapet wall, galleries, two pillar minarets and domes were cleansed using various chemicals. But since then the mosque has again developed smudges. The black stains are stated to be the result of melting of coal tar smearing laid by the R&B on the roof to plug leakages. While the interior portion of the Mecca Masjid gets a white wash during the month of Ramazan, the exterior is always ignored, it is said.

Following the hue and cry over the deteriorating condition of Charminar, the Archeology Department suddenly woke upto the poor condition of the Mecca Masjid. Its Chemical Conservation wing has planned to make a minute examination of the historic edifice, the vegetative growth on it before beginning the renovation work.

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