Charminar (char= four, minares= spire or tower, in Arabic) is the definitive landmark in Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. This charming structure is at once a distinctive monument and one that has special functions. (This is in contrast to most monuments, such as the Taj Mahal or Qutb Minar, which were built mainly for their appearance). It was constructed at the intersection of four roads and thus functions as a junction. The top floor is also home to a masjid or mosque.

        Charminar was built by Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 after he shifted his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad. He constructed it to fulfill his promise to Allah (in return for ending a local episode of plague) of building a masjid at the very site.