AZA KHAN-E-ZEHRA,Hyderabad

This Ashurkhana or place of Majalis, meetings, Sermons to mourn
the martyrdom of Imam Hussain the grand son of the
Prophet Muhammed[PBUH], who was assassinated in Karbala (Iraq)
along with his family members and friends more than 1 430 years ago
in history. Built about (construction period 1941-1958) 70 years ago,
this magnificent place has very recently been tastefully restored to
it glory by a prominent person from her personal funds at
the cost of Rs 50 lakhs. This is a treasure trove for many
ancient Arabic and Persian calligraphic text framed and exhibited within,
the most rare and inimitable is the entire Koran hand written on silk,
over a design of an Alam. The miniature writing is spread over approx.
3X5 feet fabric.. The 4 chandeliers are very rare and the cost runs in crores,
they are in Istanbul cut glass. The size of the central chandelier's
is very grand. The Alam (Staff, Flag) are in gold and
embedded with huge precious stones, many of which are only
exhibited in the month of Muharrum. The acoustics are extremely
well designed, where you can hear a person clearly from one end
to the other end of a 400X200 feet hall. Ground floor is for
assembly of the men and the mezzanine floor is for women...

Floral patterns are extensively used on walls and
ceiling along with scripts from the Quran in a harmonious color theme. This place also was awarded the heritage award in 1999, much
before its very well restored state today....