Minimum custom amount to enter is AED 2
By donating, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, was the richest man in the world (basically the Jeff Bezos of the early 20th century). Photos of him with King Saud have resurfaced on some expat groups. We dug deeper on this and we did find some interesting connections. Read on.
One of the oldest records linking the monarch of Hyderabad with the Hejaz comes from Osman Ali Khan’s ancestor, Afzal Ud Daulah, who was the 5th nizam. Afzal Ud Daulah bought properties in Makkah and Madinah to house his state’s pilgrims. These properties were called Rubath and lodging for pilgrims was provided here for free. This was back in the 19th century.
Subsequent Nizams of Hyderabad added to these properties with some being walking distance from the Great Mosque in Makkah. At one point in time, it is said the Nizam of Hyderabad owned up to 30 properties in Makkah alone.
However, not all these properties survive though as many were acquired by the Saudi government for expansion works on the Two Holy Mosques.
Many of the erstwhile nobility of India like the Nawab of Arcot also had rubaths built in the two Holy cities but unlike them, Hyderabad’s connection with Saudi Arabia was deeper.
Osman Ali Khan is said to have installed a new electric plant and lights at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. The letters containing the original proposal by the Nizam are on display at the India Office.
King Saud Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia with HEH The Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan travelling to Falaknuma Palace in his Rolls Royce. @KhaledAlmaeena pic.twitter.com/rFxj8XIYBX
— نواب صاحب/Nawaab Sahab (@DefinitiveSS) April 20, 2020
HEH Nizam with King Saud of #SaudiArabia during their tour to #Hyderabad #Telangana @HiHyderabad pic.twitter.com/jlE0gM4STd
— Anusha Puppala (@anusha_puppala) July 12, 2018
Today in Hyderabad, there’s a sprawling complex of shops in the older part of the city called the Madinah Building. All rent that was generated from this building was donated to the residents of Madinah and hence the name.
Placed in front of H. Majesty is a silver model of Madina Building of Hyderabad which was presented to H. Majesty. pic.twitter.com/lTl24LSkEj
— تحية من #السعودية (@GreetingsFromSA) May 3, 2015
Eventually, all expansion and maintenance works of the Two Holy Mosques were directly funded by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This practice has continued to this very day.
Minimum custom amount to enter is AED 2
By donating, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service