Ajmeri Gate

The oldest school compound in Delhi, established in 1696 by Ghaziuddin Khan, a general of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was one of three major Islamic schools (or madrasas) during the reign of Aurangzeb's successor Bahadur Shah I, and was funded privately. In 1803, the British took control of Delhi from the Marathas, and they found that the school was in use as a Maratha stronghold near Ajmeri Gate. So, the British initially considered destroying it, but later decided to incorporate it as a bastion. The school compound was repaired in 1824, and a government oriental college named Delhi College was established in 1825. The college was relocated in 1849, and the present Anglo-Arabic School was established here in 1889. The school compound also contains a mosque, as well as the tomb of Ghaziuddin Khan, both examples of the late Mughal architecture in Delhi.

Raziya Sultana was the only women ruler of Delhi (Reign 1236 - 40). The grave of Razia is located at Mohalla Bulbuli Khana near Turkman Gate in Old Delhi. The tomb was built by Razia's half brother Bahram. The dome of the tomb has long collapsed. The tomb houses two graves exposed to the open sky. The said grave is said to be of Razia;s sister Shazia. Sadly the area round the grave is heavily encroached upon and is approachable by a narrow winding lane.

The residence of the 19th-century Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib, now converted into a museum. It consists of artefacts related to the poet and his times, as well as his various hand-written poems besides his books. The museum also houses a life-size replica of the poet in a realistic setting with a hookah in his hand. Portraits of Ustaad Zauq, Abu Zafar, Momin, and other noted contemporaries of Ghalib can also be seen. The building itself is an example of Delhi's Mughal architecture.

This gate is named after Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani, at the southern edge of Old Delhi. The tomb of the saint dates back to 1240 and predates the gate by over three centuries. It has a square plan with high arched openings.

The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. Beware of dishonest guides who will try to convince you that a tour guide is mandatory and is included in the ₹200 camera fee; they will give you an extremely hurried "tour" of the mosque and then demand a further payment of ₹200-300 for the tour. You can climb to the top of the minaret for ₹100 (locals maybe ₹20). The climb is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but you'll get great views over the complex and the city. You'll need to cover up your shoulders and legs (scarves and lungis available for rental - about ₹10), and take off your shoes (expect to tip the shoe minder, ₹5 is plenty, or carry your shoes with you in your own bag). Pictures should not be taken during prayer hours. If you're going to sit down don't look too comfortable. Certainly don't eat or become too engrossed in any reading material you may be carrying, the rule is that non-Muslims must make their visits brief and guards will usher along visitors who linger.