I explored the Jama Masjid as part of a city tour focused on Old Delhi， the most atmospheric area of this historic city. Built in the mid-17th century by Shah Jahan (known for the Taj Mahal) around 30 years before the peak of the Mughal Empire， this remains a key mosque in Delhi. Ascending a broad flight of steps and passing through the prominent northern gate， the most striking feature was the extremely spacious courtyard in front of the mosque itself. A pool was positioned in the courtyard’s center， likely for worshippers to perform ablutions before praying. The Mughal design influence of the mosque was clear， with extensive use of red sandstone， two flanking minarets， and onion-shaped domes. It was fairly quiet that day， probably since it was not a Friday afternoon when prayers typically draw thousands. We spent most of our time around the courtyard and did not enter the main prayer hall， which was shaded from the intense heat outside. Visitors paid a small entry fee， and legs and shoulders had to be covered. All footwear also had to be removed upon entering the premises， and the sun-baked courtyard floor can be scorching (although in some spots， flattened cardboard or old rugs were laid out). As a place of worship， it wasn't easy to avoid including worshippers in photos， but taking them from a distance posed no issues.
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