| A lavish and magnificent landmark that harks back | | | | Regardless of the exact purpose behind its |
| to the glory days when India was ruled by Kings, | | | | creation, no one can deny that Charminar serves |
| Charminar is the most famous monument and | | | | as an import religious site in the region. The |
| mosque in all of Hyderabad. | | | | mosque is located at the very heart of the city |
| The name Charminar literally translates to | | | | and is a strong indicator of Hyderabad’s |
| “Four Towers” and “Mosque of the | | | | prosperity over the ages as the surrounding city |
| Four Minarets” which exemplifies the form of | | | | sprang up around this important monument. It is |
| the mosque’s structure as four towers | | | | for this reason that Charminar is easily the most |
| ascend to the heavens off the main body. These | | | | popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad and is |
| were apparently created to represent the first | | | | symbolic of the entire city. The monument enjoys |
| four caliphs of Islam respectively. | | | | an importance that could be likened to the Statue |
| The stories regarding Charminar’s creation | | | | of Liberty’s relationship with New York City. |
| are varied though all agree that it was | | | | The mosque is created from lime, granite and |
| constructed under the orders of Sultan | | | | mortar is an unusual hybrid of arc and mosque |
| Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah who was the ruler of | | | | fused together harmoniously. Charminar is quite an |
| the city at the time. In one tale the city was | | | | impressive sight amidst the skyline of Hyderabad |
| besieged by a plague, and the Sultan prayed for | | | | and is even more so when seen at night under |
| an end to the suffering. Upon the eradication of | | | | illumination. |
| the plague, he ordered a mosque to be created | | | | When travelling in the region guests will need to |
| on the very spot he chose for prayer. Others | | | | find a suitable Hyderabad hotel to reside in. Ista |
| indicate that it was dedicated to his wife while | | | | Hotel Hyderabad presents an ideal choice amongst |
| another story claims it was built to mark the | | | | 5 star hotels Hyderabad with an exemplary level |
| intersection of the four major roads of the city. | | | | of service and amenities, coupled with a |
| Of course all of the stories could be true as they | | | | convenient location close to the international |
| do not necessarily contradict each other. | | | | airport. |