Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
A small mosque built in 1573, known for its intricate stone lattice windows. It stands near Lal Darwaza in the old city.
What it is
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is a small but significant mosque in the old walled city of Ahmedabad. It was built in 1572–73, during the final years of the Sultanate period, by Sidi Saiyyed, an African-origin noble in the court of Sultan Muzaffar Shah III. The mosque is best known for its ten semi-circular stone jali windows, each carved from a single slab of rock. The most famous of these is the 'Tree of Life' jali, a pattern of intertwined branches and leaves that has become a symbol of Ahmedabad.
The mosque sits near Lal Darwaza, one of the historic gates of the walled city. It is a small structure, with a prayer hall that opens onto a courtyard. The jali windows line the side walls and the rear wall, allowing light to filter into the hall in shifting patterns. The mosque is still used for prayer, though it is also a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. It was part of the Historic City of Ahmedabad inscribed by UNESCO in 2017.
What to see
The main draw is the jali windows. There are ten in total, each with a different geometric or floral design. The 'Tree of Life' jali on the western wall is the most photographed: a central tree with branches that spread outwards, with birds and leaves carved into the stone. The lattice is so fine that it looks like lace. The other jalis show patterns of interlocking circles, stars, and vines. The carving is symmetrical and precise, a skill that was at its peak in the Sultanate period.
The mosque itself is simple. The prayer hall has three domes and a mihrab (prayer niche) on the western wall. The courtyard has a central fountain for ablutions. The walls are plain, without the elaborate tile work or stucco seen in other mosques. The focus is entirely on the jalis. The play of light through the stone changes through the day, so the windows look different in the morning, at noon, and in the late afternoon. The best time to see the jalis is when the sun is low, around 3–4 pm in winter.
- The 'Tree of Life' jali is on the western wall of the prayer hall.
- The mosque has ten jali windows in total, each unique.
- The carving is from a single slab of stone per window.
- The mosque is still an active place of prayer.
How to get there
The mosque is on the edge of the old city, near Lal Darwaza. From the centre of Ahmedabad, you can take a rickshaw or auto-rickshaw. The ride from the Sabarmati Riverfront or Ellisbridge takes about 10 minutes. The nearest metro station is Lal Darwaza on the Blue Line, about 200 metres away. From the station, walk east along the main road; the mosque is on the left. If you are coming from the airport, take a taxi or app cab. The drive is about 7–8 km and takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The area around Lal Darwaza is busy, with narrow lanes and heavy traffic. It is best to walk the last stretch. The mosque is on a small street off the main road. Look for the dome and the minarets. There is a small car park nearby, but parking is limited. Most visitors arrive by rickshaw or on foot. The mosque is open to visitors during daylight hours. There is no entry fee, but donations are accepted. Check the current opening times with the Archaeological Survey of India.
When to go
The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. The days are warm, but the mornings and evenings are pleasant. The mosque is open all year, but the summer months from March to June are very hot, with temperatures often above 40 °C. The monsoon from July to September brings rain and humidity, which can make the stone slippery. The jalis look best in clear, sunny weather, when the light is strong and the shadows are sharp.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes for a visit. The mosque is small, and you can see everything in that time. If you want to photograph the jalis, allow an hour. The light changes quickly, and you may want to wait for the right moment. The mosque is busiest on Fridays, when it is used for prayer. It is also busy during the kite festival in January and during Navratri. On those days, the area around Lal Darwaza is crowded, and it may be difficult to get a clear view of the jalis.
Nearby sights
The mosque is in the heart of the old city, close to many other heritage sites. The Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza are a 5-minute walk to the north. The Jama Masjid, built in 1424, is about 10 minutes on foot. The pols (gated lanes) of the old city start just behind the mosque. You can walk through the narrow lanes and see the carved wooden havelis and chabutaras (bird-feeders). The night food market near the riverfront is a 10-minute walk south, and it is open from evening to late night.
The Sabarmati Riverfront is about 1.5 km to the west. You can walk across the Atal Bridge, a footbridge that connects the old city to the newer parts of Ahmedabad. The riverfront has promenades, gardens, and cycle paths. The Calico Museum of Textiles is about 2 km north, in Shahibaug. It requires a booked guided tour. The Sabarmati Ashram is about 3 km north-west, on the west bank of the river. It is free to enter and open daily.
- Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza (5 min walk).
- Jama Masjid (10 min walk).
- Night food market near the riverfront (10 min walk).
- Sabarmati Riverfront and Atal Bridge (15 min walk).
Practical tips
Dress modestly. The mosque is a place of worship. Cover your shoulders and knees. Women may want to carry a scarf to cover their head. Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall. There is a shoe rack at the entrance. Photography is allowed, but be respectful. Do not use flash inside the prayer hall, as it can disturb worshippers. The jalis are best photographed without flash, using natural light. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full window.
The area around Lal Darwaza is busy and can be noisy. Keep your belongings secure. There are small shops and stalls nearby selling snacks and water. The mosque does not have a café or restroom, so plan accordingly. The nearest public toilets are at the riverfront or at the metro station. If you are visiting during the summer, carry water and a hat. The stone floor can get hot. The mosque is wheelchair accessible, but the narrow lanes around it may be difficult to navigate.
