The Qutb Minara or Qutab Minara or Qutab Miniara, is a huge, multi-storey “victory structure” and minar which form an integral part of the main Qutb complex in Delhi, a UNESCO World heritage site in Mehrauli, New Delhi. The height of the minar is 72.4 metres, making it one of the highest minars in the entire world. A visitor can see the minar from above, sitting on a stone platform to be able to admire the architectural designs and structures.
Today, the Quta Minara stands tall with respect to the Quta Mosque complex which is located on the other side of the Mehrabai Khwaja Street, near the eastern end of the Delhi-Mehrabai Khwaja road. Quta Minara and Quta Mosque are two of the major tourist attractions of Delhi.
The name “Qutab Minara” is actually derived from the name of the main architect of the Quta Mosque. A native of Egypt, the name “Abdulla Ghazi” was given to him by the British. It was because he was an expert in architecture, and he made it his profession. He also designed a number of churches in Egypt as well as in other parts of the world.
The main structure of the Quta Minar (Qutabs Minara) consists of seven columns, each made up of four bricks, placed at different levels to form a round shape. The structure, in turn, has three tiers. On its outer section there are two pillars that support a roof structure of bricks which supports the top tier and the wall is constructed with bricks at the bottom. The other two sections are made up of four and a half rows of bricks, all of them in a horizontal orientation. The outer layer of the Quta Minara is made up of four brick layers and the middle layer of two brick layers. It has a number of pillars and also includes a floor. There are also several small rooms that are on the lower level of the Quta Minara.
The Quta Minara and the adjoining Quta Mosque complex are the most important place for worship of the Muslim religion. Other than this, it is also considered to be a symbol of strength, power and victory.
The Qutab Minar is open on all parts of the day, if you want to pay your respects. It is closed during the night time. You can get close to the minar and pray in front of it. It is not possible to climb up inside, as previously, because of a tragedy some years ago.
Another important feature of the Qutabs Minara is the ‘Shahadah’ or the opening verse of the Holy Qur’an. As the name suggests, the verses of the Holy Qur’an is displayed on the walls of the Qutabs Minara and on the gate wall in front of the gate.