Taj Mahal: An Epic Love Story Beyond Ottoman Borders

After Jaipur, our next stop was Agra following a 4-hour train ride. Our trip to India would have been incomplete without seeing the Taj Mahal, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a historic city that served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for many years. Home to the most important masterpieces of Mughal architecture, the city is one of India's most visited spots with its marble craftsmanship, deep-rooted history, and rich cultural texture.

Arrival at the Taj Mahal

We leave the hotel early in the morning to watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. However, it is not possible to approach the Taj Mahal by vehicle; because the white marble must be protected from dust, you have to walk after a certain distance. The entrance fee is 2,600 rupees; after buying the ticket, visitors are given water and shoe covers, as walking on the marble floor inside is only allowed with shoe covers. It is also worth adding that when visiting outside the tourist season, the site is quite quiet, and you can enter without waiting in line.

The Story of a Love

Considered one of the world's most beautiful monuments built for love, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the fifth ruler of the Mughal Empire. The story begins when Shah Jahan falls in love with a Persian princess at the age of 15. Marrying her at age 20 as his third wife, Shah Jahan gives her the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning "jewel of the palace."

Known as Shah Jahan's most beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal passes away due to complications during the birth of their 14th child. On her deathbed, Shah Jahan promises her that he will never remarry and that he will build a mausoleum unlike any other in the world. The magnificent tomb we know today as the Taj Mahal was built upon this promise.

Construction of a Monument

Rumor has it that Shah Jahan, wishing to embody a depiction of paradise, was shown 2,000 different models of the Taj Mahal before making his decision. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took about 21 years; 22,000 workers were employed during this time, and 1,000 elephants were used to transport the stones.

Architectural Details

Built from bright, fine-grained white marble, the Taj Mahal features a 75-meter dome and four minarets. The minarets were deliberately built tilting slightly outward so they would not collapse onto the tomb in the event of an earthquake.

A synthesis of Ottoman, Persian, and Indian architecture, the structure is said to have involved contributions from students of Architect Sinan; records also show that Calligrapher Serdar Efendi, brought from the Ottoman Empire, carved Surah Yasin onto the stones. The Taj Mahal takes on a pinkish hue at sunrise, white during the day, and a golden shade under moonlight. According to legend, this color shift reflects Mumtaz Mahal's mood, though in reality it is simply the result of masterful architecture.

Inside the Tomb

Taking photos inside is prohibited; the space is quite small, containing only the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. In accordance with Islamic traditions, Shah Jahan's tomb is placed slightly higher than that of Mumtaz Mahal.

According to another rumor told, the hands of all workers who built the Taj Mahal were cut off so that no duplicate could ever be built in the world.

What Happened to Shah Jahan?

After the Taj Mahal was completed, Shah Jahan wanted to build a black marble memorial for himself directly opposite the tomb. However, his son, believing this would cause great harm to the treasury, dethroned his father on the grounds that he had lost his sanity and had the under-construction structure demolished. According to legend, Shah Jahan spent his remaining days at Agra Fort watching the Taj Mahal through a small window, and when he died, he was buried next to the love of his life, Mumtaz Mahal.