Qūwat-ul-Islām mosque

mosque, Delhi, India

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July 13, 2026

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The Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, located in Delhi, India, is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in the region. It was commissioned by Qutb al-Din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, and completed by his successor, Iltutmish. The mosque is notable for its architectural style, which incorporates influences from Hindu Rajput craftsmen and Central Asian Seljuq traditions.123

Adjacent to the mosque stands the Qutb Minar, a towering minaret that served the traditional purpose of calling people to prayer. It also functioned as a victory monument, commemorating the overthrow of local rulers. The Qutb Minar is the tallest brick masonry tower in the world, standing at 238 feet (72.5 meters) and featuring intricate carvings and verses from the Qur’an. The mosque and its surrounding monuments, including the Qutb Minar, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.123

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South Asian arts
Islāmic architecture in India: period of the Delhi and provincial sultanates
The Qūwat-ul-Islām mosque (completed 1196), consisting of cloisters around a courtyard with the sanctuary to the west, was built from the remains of demolished temples. In 1198 an arched facade (maqṣūrah) was built in front to give the building an Islāmic aspect, but its rich floral…
Read More
The Qūwat-ul-Islām mosque (completed 1196), consisting of cloisters around a courtyard with the sanctuary to the west, was built from the remains of demolished temples. In 1198 an arched facade (maqṣūrah) was built in front to give the building an Islāmic aspect, but its rich floral…
Read More