THE WAYBACK MACHINE

The Mosque, Jama Masjid in Delhi

Tales from India in 2008–2

All photos by author

I guess the obvious place to start is by saying that this mosque is not simply another tourist photo-opportunity; it is a living and breathing centre. Entering the inner court of the mosque we removed our footwear, a sign of respect. All inside were barefoot. Some, like us, were wearing socks. I was unprepared for what I thought was a centre of prayer and holiness.

What I found was, instead, a place for people. Some were simply resting in the sunshine, sitting on ledges along the wall surrounding the courtyard, sitting on ledges around a central shallow pool in front of the main entrance where a prayer podium waited for call to prayer. Some of those found in the courtyard were sitting quietly, others were visiting with family or friends, some like ourselves were studying the architecture and taking photos — tourists, a few were stretched out sleeping on the stones.