The Famous Sidi Saiyyed Jaali in Ahmedabad

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, IndiaSidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, India

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

My Introduction to Siddi Sayyed Mosque aka Siddi Sayyed Jaali

Cars, buses, autorickshaws, two wheelers all moved around a building that looked quite ancient and was dotted with trees. It looked like a mosque from whatever portion was visible from the road. Hardly anyone spared a second glance to the unpretentious building in the bus that I sat in and neither did I. In fact, I must have passed by the building hundreds of times without realizing its importance. It was much later when I visited Sidi Saiyyed mosque in Ahmedabad that I was awestruck by what I saw.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

I came to know that the old looking building that I used to pass by was Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famously referred to in common parlance as Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jaali or Sidi Saiyyid ki Jaali. I also realized that the Sidi Saiyad Mosque in Ahmedabad was one of the sights that figured in most people’s list of must see places in Ahmedabad.

A Visit to the Sidi Sayyed Mosque is an exquisite experience

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

One fine day saw me at the threshold of the Sidi Sayeed Mosque, Ahmedabad. The mosque itself was quite spartan built in the style of architecture which most mosques in the country adhere to. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque architecture is executed in an Indo-Saracenic style which combines elements of Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture. The famous Jali work of the screen in the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is the source of attraction and the lodestone that drew people to its fold were the Jaalis ( also known as Sidi Saiyad Ni Jali ) or intricate lattice work of the windows of the mosque.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

In all, there are 10 windows with very intricate stone lattice work. When I visited the place the sun was already on the western horizon and as the orange glow of light gently kissed the intricate lattice work of the windows and streamed in, it created an effect so surreal and beautiful that involuntary waves of ecstasy seemed to engulf my very being.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

I gazed and gazed at the window where a mystical tree and its intertwined branches had been carved. Each element of the art work seemed to be perfect, a magical light filtered through the gap between the leaves and intertwined branches, creating a mysterious halo. The experience of merely gazing at this spectacle was blissful. Standing in the mosque and looking at the busy traffic inexorably moving around it, one feels as if for a moment time has stopped and you are at peace.

 

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The Sidi Sayed Mosque is a small mosque that is still used for prayers by the devout Muslims of the area. It is bang in the center of the main traffic junction in the heart of Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat, a western state of India. The famous Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad is located in a small compound and shaded by trees. Ten windows with intricate lattice work adorn the sides and the rear of the mosque. The most exquisitely carved window is known as the “Tree of Life”, and is a joy to behold, a resplendent ode to the artistic genius of its makers.

History of the Sidi Sayyed Mosque

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

Sidi Saiyad Jali history dates back to 1573. The construction of the Sidi Sayyed Mosque is attributed to an Abyssinian soldier by the name of Sidi Saiyyed in the year 1573, which coincidentally was also the last year of the Gujarat Sultanate with the Mughals led by Akbar taking over the kingdom.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

The mosque is apparently incomplete and some accounts attribute this fact to the Mughal invasion.The Sidi Saiyyed Ki Jali view at the entrance has two structures. It seems the two structures that frame the entrance to the courtyard of the Mosque were meant to be towers which were never completed. The central arch surprisingly does not have any lattice work and is just covered with dull and drab stone. Probably another pointer to the incomplete nature of the structure. But whether complete or incomplete, the Sidi Sayyed Jali is a unique piece of architecture that has dazzled millions with its beauty across the passage of history.

Why did IIM-Ahmedabad get inspired by the Sidi Saiyyed Jali

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque logo

The stone carving marvel in Sidi Saiyyed ni Jali is popular worldwide and has been executed in Indo-Saracenic style. The Founding fathers of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad were so impressed by the elegant and intricate design of The Tree of Life lattice window that they adopted it as their logo. The exquisitely crafted lattice work is also in many ways a visual symbol of the city of Ahmedabad.

Some Practical Tips for visiting Sidi Sayyed Mosque

Siddi Saiyad Jali Mosque

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

  • The Sidi Sayyed Mosque is located in the city of Ahmedabad which is well connected by air, road, and rail to all major cities of India
  • Ahmedabad is about 530 kilometers from Mumbai and 947 kilometers from the Indian Capital of Delhi
  • The best time to visit Ahmedabad is during the winter months between September to March as summers tend to get too hot
  • Ladies are not allowed inside the prayer hall of the Siddi Sayyed Mosque
  • The Mosque is open on all days and there is no entrance fee

Lucky Tea Stall

Lucky Tea Stall

If you happen to visit the Sidi Sayyed Mosque, do step into the Lucky Tea Stall which is nearby. The place which started as a small joint underneath a Neem tree and adjacent to a grave has grown into a restaurant. The grave and the tree are incorporated into the premises and the place continues to serve out of the world tea and buns.

M.F. Hussain

An original painting of M.F.Husain hangs in the premises. M.F.Husain, the famous painter is said to have frequented the place for its tea whenever he was in Ahmedabad.

Other Places of Interest in Ahmedabad

  • Gandhi Ashram
  • Shaking Minarets
  • Sabarmati Riverfront
  • Kankaria Lake and Zoo
  • Calico Museum
  • Jama Masjid

Sidi Sayyed Mosque is indeed one of the treasures of the city of Ahmedabad and Incredible India. A must see place if you are traveling in these parts. Have you seen this poetry in stone? Have you been to Ahmedabad? What is your favorite attraction in Ahmedabad? Do let us know your feedback by leaving a comment, your opinions keep us going and are highly valued.

 

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, India        Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad, India

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59 thoughts on “The Famous Sidi Saiyyed Jaali in Ahmedabad”

  1. How beautiful all the windows are. Truly works of art. The tree of life is the best known and depicted piece of art and can be found everywhere in all cultures.

  2. I think the architecture in other countries is so much nicer than where I live. You’re so much more detail and beauty. I would love to explore all the architecture. This place looks gorgeous.

  3. Beautiful architecture and the art within is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve seen the Tree of Life sculpture in pics and imagine it is quite a sight to behold in person.

  4. There has been many times I have passed places not giving a second glance until I realise the importance. This mosque is definitely unique and gorgeous

  5. I love to find old buildings with amazing architecture. That is one amazing window. It is beautiful the way the light goes threw it.

  6. Those windows are breathtaking! I can only imagine how labor intensive it would be to carve those designs. Awesome! Thanks for sharing the photos!

  7. Wow! What a truly beautiful place. Those windows are absolutely incredible. I can only imagine what it took to create them!

  8. Wow! That was an amazing read. I enjoyed reading about the culture and of course it’s rich history. I love reading and learning about about different things and cultures. Thanks for sharing.

  9. That latice work is absolutely amazing. Darcee & I were in Ahmedabad this past january but and visited with a friend. But we were only there a half a day. I wish I had know about the Sidi Saiyyed because witnessing the Tree of Life would have been truly a gift. Can you imagine the patience it took to carve out each and every one of those “limbs”? Mind boggling to me

  10. Saiyyad Mosque seems like a must visit place when in Ahmedabad. Looking at those ‘jaalis’ or the intricate work in the door makes me wonder about the artistic excellence of it’s creature. They looks so unique and wonderful

  11. The stone lattice work is incredible, your picture is beautiful, I can only imagine how lovely it would of been to just sit and take it all in. It is rare to find places that just kinda speak to you like you’ve described. I’d like to visit now.

  12. Such beautiful windows! Sidi Sayeed Mosque is deservedly on bucket lists. I mean, just look at those details and imagine the time spent in creating these pretty objects. And you are so right, I can think of few places I’ve overlooked myself just because I got used to them and they are “familiar”. The good thing is that we finally go back to them one day, right. 🙂

  13. Wow, such an architecture marvel dating back to 15th century. Love all the jali work and the painting of M.F.Hussein – it looks real!! Whenever I get lucky to visit Ahmedabad, I am going to visit the Mosque for sure. Thanks for sharing.

  14. I find mosques to be so intricate and stunning. I especially love this design at Sidi Saiyyed! It’s also so interesting that this dates back to the 15th century! It makes me realize how young the US is when we find places that date back hundreds and hundreds of years!

  15. The detail in the mosque looks incredible. I especially like the design and detail of the tree of life. I’m hoping to be in India in February and it’s nice to read of places that I can possibly visit. Seems like this is a worthy stop!

  16. That window really is intricate, what a beautiful building. I’m curious about the Lucky Tea stall, whether it is supposed to bring you good luck? Definitely a good reason to have a cup

  17. We often take things for granted when we live in a town vs when we go to a town as tourists. Those jaali windows of the mosque are something incredible though. That tree is mystical indeed, the first time I saw that picture it sort of hypnotised me and I spent atleast 3 minutes just staring at it. It looks so magical!

  18. Woow! That window with the tree of life looks so exquisite. No one told me about this beautiful piece of art while I visited Ahmadabad early this year. Now that I know it and that the city has got its UNESCO tag, I m surely going back to explore some heritage structures.

  19. You are so good at describing the mosque and the history of it. The windows look so beautiful and detailed decorated. I haven’t been to many mosques. But I think they are very fascinating. I would definitely check out Saiyeed mosque if I go to Ahmedabad 🙂

  20. OMG! The Jali is so so pretty and I can look at its intricate design for hours. The Tree of Life, itself mean so many important cycles of life and the intermingled design in the window really depicts that. I really feel it is quite interesting.

  21. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque from Ahmedabad is incredible beautiful. I love mosques wherever I go and it’s such a pity that ladies are not allowed to enter this one. I think that the oriental architecture had put a lot of efforts in decorating their masterpieces.

  22. The Jaali work is really stunning, I haven’t seen anything so beautifully done ever. It is really amazing that IIM Ahmedabad got inspired with this masterpiece as their logo.

  23. That tree of life is amazing. I can’t believe I have not seen this place before. Noted for my next visit to Ahmedabad. This is indeed a lovely post abt my home state/ place

  24. Wow! That architecture is so beautiful! Truly is poetry in stone. I have not yet been to Ahmedabad, but your articles are giving me some ideas! Great writing!

  25. The last time I was in Ahmedabad, I visited this place. I was awestruck with the intricate carvings. Ahmedabad has some of the finest architecture in India. I would also recommend a heritage walk in the ‘pols’ of old Ahmedabad, It is an enriching experience.

  26. really beautiful jaali!! havent been to Ahmedabad but recalled my memories of our Golden Triangle trip to Delhi/Agra/Jaipur..
    and that earthern cup of chai is just so heavenly (glad I am drinking my chai with this post)

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