Khirki Masjid

The Khirki Mosque ( Urdu: Khirki Masjid ) is a fortress-like mosque in the southern part of the Indian capital, Delhi. The Urdu word Khirki means " window " and as a German translation of " mosque of the window will be '.

Location

The mosque is located within a residential area about 13 kilometers south of New Delhi and about 3.5 kilometers east of the Qutb complex. The Lotus Bahai Temple is another 5 kilometers to the east.

Architectural History

The mosque was probably around the year 1351 (according to other dating around 1375 /80) by Khan -i - Jahan Maqbul Tilangani, called Malik Maqbul, the vizier or " First Minister " by Firuz Shah Tughluq (r. 1351-1388 ), the fourth sultan of Tughluq dynasty, donated. Both the Sultan and his - born as a Hindu, but convert to the Islamic faith - Vizier did excelled as builders of several mosques and tombs. The mosque was built around the year 2010 thoroughly restored by the Archaeological Survey of India - collapsed vault parts replaced and the vault was given a plaster composed of 50% clay and 50 % crushed brick.

Architecture

Exterior

The increases built on a square base with about 52 meters each side Khirki mosque differs from all other mosques in India through its almost fortress-like character and - apart from four courtyards - closed on all sides and covered construction. The building has three - accessible via bridge-like stairways - portals to the north, east and south sides; Therefore, it has been suggested that the mosque was formerly washed by water. The portals are laterally accompanied by round turrets on an octagonal base, although they have minaret -like character, but are not usable as such because of their solid construction. In the corners of the - top final with a battlement - building four stair towers, more reminiscent of wax or towers due to their almost closed construction levy.

Interior

The interior of the mosque is submerged in spite of the four open courtyards, which provide for the lighting and ventilation of the building in a shady dark. The windows are closed by thick jalis and donate very little light. Is the on the west side of the mosque - slightly projecting outwards - mihrab niche. Parts of the mosque have flat ceilings; in front of the mihrab and the portal zones can be found on the yokes in the middle, the corners, a total of 81 small domes.

Like many other mosques has the Khirki Masjid about any decor, which could distract the faithful to prayer. Even the pillars and capitals seem less elegant but more chunky.

Pictures

Arcades and courtyard

Patio

Domed yoke