Delhi - a Muslim city?

Hand on heart: What do you know about Indian history before the English established themselves here as a colonial power? I, for one, knew nothing, as I found out while sightseeing in Delhi. For me, India was always a Hindu country with a Muslim minority that the majority population does not get along with, which is why Pakistan exists. So I assumed that we would mainly see Hindu-built sights in Delhi. Mistake, we had (with the exception of the wonderful Bahai Temple from the 1980s, which is also not very Hindu) only buildings on the program that were built by and for Muslims - by rulers and dynasties, by the way, that we already knew from Uzbekistan. The explanation is simple: from the 12th to the 19th century, North India was ruled by Muslim ruling families, who left behind seven different cities in the area of present-day Delhi (which is absolutely huge). The British added the eighth one.

However, you can still find Hindu elements, especially in the - in my opinion - absolute top attraction. Qutub Minar belongs to the 1st and 2nd city and is a mosque complex with a truly sensational minaret and pillared halls, for which parts from older Hindu temples were used. The effect is astonishing and beautiful. Hindu craftsmen were also used for the newly added parts, who developed their own style for the Muslim buildings in India, which we didn't always like.

The Red Fort (belonged to the 7th city, so the 17th century) is rightly well-known, with its sturdy walls and gates enclosing delicate, enchanting, and airy palaces. We couldn't really warm up to the corresponding Friday Mosque.

And we managed to accidentally visit some lesser-known sights (our beloved minor sights), even though we were only in Delhi for two days and only wanted to see the top attractions - which once again paid off. According to our driver, he had never taken tourists to the 3rd city, Tughluqabad, from the 14th century, a huge fortress with very intact walls - nor to Purana Qila, in the 6th city (16th century), where a wonderful and very Indian mosque is still preserved. By the way, two days are enough to thoroughly visit Delhi (with your own driver). There is no time for shopping (in the big bazaar) there, which the lady guests always insist on, as our driver remarked in confusion several times. I'm afraid I'm not a typical lady guest. However, we have already been to the bustling bazaar, as our travel agent is based there.