Architecture of Hyderabad

A distinct Indo-Islamic architecture style with local contribution is reflected in the historical buildings of Hyderabad, making it the first and "Best Heritage City of India" as of March 2012.

[1] The city houses many famous historical sites constructed during Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi period, including various mosques and palaces.

The oldest surviving Qutb Shahi structure in Hyderabad is the ruins of Golconda fort built in the 16th century.

The most important monuments from this time are the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, both built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad.

The Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi tombs are considered to be monuments of national importance in India.

[23] Mughal emperor Aurangzeb also completed the construction of the Mecca Masjid, adding a gateway and topping the minarets with domes.

The earliest examples include the Purani Haveli, which served as the seat of the Nizam until the Chowmahalla Palace was constructed.

A wide variety of Indian and European styles, ranging from baroque to neoclassical, are seen in the palace[34][35] The last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan is called as the maker of modern Hyderabad.

The buildings constructed during his reign are impressive and represent a rich style of Indo-Saracenic architecture, such as the Osmania University[36] and Moazzam Jahi Market.