The Jama Masjid in Old Delhi was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. About 5,000 workers from India, Arabia, Persia, Turkey and Europe built it, at a cost of ten lakh, or one million, rupees. Its style is described as Indo-Islamic and Mughal.
The mosque stands on a plinth about 33 feet (10 m) above the city and faces west. Three sandstone gates lead to a courtyard that holds 25,000 worshippers. The prayer hall has three marble domes, and two sandstone minarets rise 135 feet (41 m). Red sandstone and white marble are used throughout, with black marble decoration. The Red Fort stands across from it.
It remains an active congregational mosque, used for Friday prayers and Eid, and it draws many tourists.
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