Sidi Saiyad Mosque, officially known as Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, is a historic mosque in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, near Lal Darwaja, renowned for its intricate stone lattice windows. Its jalis and layered architectural details make it a distinctive stop among Ahmedabad monuments, and it’s about a 17-minute walk from Rivera Sarovar Portico Ahmedabad.
- Location: Bhadra Road, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad
- Visiting pattern: Daily from dawn to dusk, except during prayers
- Admission: Free
- Time to allow: About 30 minutes
What makes Sidi Saiyyed Mosque notable
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is best known for its carved stone jalis, whose intertwined branches form a tree-of-life design. These windows have become an enduring symbol of the city and appear in the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad logo.
Completed in 1573, the mosque was commissioned by Sidi Saiyyed along Ahmedabad’s city walls during the 16th century. It was the last major mosque built in Ahmedabad under Mughal rule.
Look closely at the arrangement of the windows: the central arch is filled with stone rather than a jali. This may be because it was not completed to plan before the Mughal invasion. The mosque is smaller than Jama Masjid and has no enclosed courtyard.
Finding the mosque in Ahmedabad
The mosque stands on Bhadra Road in the Lal Darwaja area, about 3 km from Ahmedabad Station. Its open front façade is supported by arches; inside, the eastern façade has the mihrab and latticed screens along the walls.
From the street, the open façade gives you a sense of the building’s structure before you focus on its most celebrated stonework. Two notable perforated windows sit in the back wall, flanked by geometric tracery windows.
If you’re planning a wider city-centre itinerary, the guide to one day in Ahmedabad can help you put the mosque into a broader route.
What to know before visiting
The mosque is open daily between dawn and dusk, except during prayers; listed hours are 06:00 to 18:30. Entry is free, and a visit takes about 30 minutes. Hours and access can change, so check the official site before you go.
Plan your visit around prayer times, and allow a little time to look at both the back-wall jalis and the other architectural details. The building’s open front and lack of an enclosed courtyard give it a different layout from larger mosques in the city.
Nearby historic stops
Bhadra Fort is another nearby landmark to consider as you explore the old city. Read the guide to Bhadra Fort in Ahmedabad for more on that stop. The two sites give you a way to connect Ahmedabad’s historic architecture with its walled-city setting.
For accommodation near the city’s historic sights, see Rivera Sarovar Portico Ahmedabad.
FAQs
Where is Sidi Saiyyed Mosque?
It is on Bhadra Road in the Lal Darwaja area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
What is the mosque famous for?
Its stone lattice windows, or jalis, are known for their intertwined tree-of-life design.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free.
How long should you allow for a visit?
Allow about 30 minutes for a visit.