Hyderabad traces its genesis to Iranian ruler, maintaining centuries-old connection with Iran

Hyderabad: As West Asia grapples with tensions, Telangana's capital Hyderabad, now a bustling metropolis and major tech hub, stands as a reminder of enduring ties with Iran, with Persian influence permeating the city's culture, architecture, cuisine and language.

Founded in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda who hailed from Iran, the city long attracted Iranian settlers. He belonged to the Persian Shia Muslim Qutb Shahi dynasty that established the city.

Persian influence permeates the city's culture, architecture, cuisine, and language. Iconic landmarks like the Charminar and other historical monuments showcase Persian design, while Persian words enrich Hyderabadi Urdu. Persian architect Mir Momin Astarabadi is widely credited with designing the city's layout, including the Charminar.

Local favorites such as Irani chai and haleem reflect this enduring culinary bond. Notably, upscale Banjara Hills features Imam Khomeini Road, named after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, home to the Iranian Consulate on Road No 7.

“Qutb Shahis are tribes from Iran. The Bahmani Sultans granted them governorship of the Golconda area, after which they ruled the region. Hyderabad was founded in 1591 to decongest rapidly growing Golconda. Its name honors Caliph Ali the fourth Rashidun Caliph of Sunni Muslims and first Imam of Shia Muslims after his title 'Hyder (The Lion) or Ali Haider (Ali the Lionheart),” historian and honorary managing trustee of The Deccan Heritage Trust, Mohammed Safiullah, to DH.

He added that Indo-Persian trade thrived with Hyderabad as the epicenter. Safiullah noted that pre-1947, before independence, India shared a border with Iran, fostering heavy traffic and strong trade ties. Persian traders and locals used the sea route from Machilipatnam port (now in Andhra Pradesh) for commerce with Hyderabad.

During the Qutb Shahi reign, Golconda became a global market leader for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and printed fabrics. All eight Qutb Shahi sultans patronized learning and were prolific builders, advancing Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad hosts one of India's largest, longest-settled Iranian diasporas, with deep cultural and business roots from the 16th-century Qutb Shahi era. Centered in areas like Masab Tank and Mehendipatnam, early settlers from Yazd now run iconic Irani cafes, bakeries, and trading businesses.

The Old City forms Hyderabad's heart, designed by architects modeling it on Iran's Isfahan many original structures endure over 400 years later. The Persia-South India link dates to the 14th century, but Persian influence peaked in 1591 with Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah.

Hyderabad boasts the highest number of Irani cafes after Mumbai, stemming from its role as an Iranian trade center in the late 19th century. Arriving Iranians introduced their tea-making style, birthing a unique Irani chai culture.

According to 17th-century French traveler Jean De Thevenot whose accounts align with Persian texts the Charminar was built in 1591 CE to mark the second Islamic millennium (1000 AH), celebrated across the Islamic world. Qutb Shah founded Hyderabad for this event, centering it on the Charminar at the intersection of trade routes linking to Machilipatnam port.

Shia Muslims Protest

Shia Muslim communities in Hyderabad's Old City staged a protest, on Sunday, condemning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination. They rallied from Purani Haveli to Darul Shifa Ground, joined by MLA Zulfiqar Ali and MLC Riazulla Asan Afanji. City police ramped up social media surveillance, targeting misinformation accounts. Security has been tightened at key foreign offices. Senior officials reviewed measures at the Iran Consulate General on Banjara Hills Road No. 7, British Deputy High Commission, Road No. 2, UAE Consulate on Road No. 12, and US Consulate in Nanakramguda Financial District. The road before the US Consulate was blocked at both ends for security.