Overview:

Friday Mosque of Ghazni In Afghanistan is one of the most impressive and majestic structures of the Islamic era in Afghanistan. Built in the late 12th century, this mosque is one of the earliest representative examples of Islamic architecture in the country, and its structure has been instrumental in influencing later generations of Islamic architects in Afghanistan. The mosque has four large iwans, a great dome, large courtyards, and several minarets, all inscribed with intricate designs. The larger-than-life architecture is a testament to its past greatness, and is a must-visit for any avid student of Islamic history and culture. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. The mosque is said to be a renowned example of Islamic architecture from the Ghaznavid era as it said to have been built using traditional Ghaznavid materials and techniques. 2. It features a remarkable border of punched holes along the nave. 3. The main entrance of the mosque is a brick gatehouse that leads into the courtyard. 4. The qibla wall is located on the eastern side and its mihrab stands at the end of a five-mouthed arch. 5. Nearly eighty years after the mosque was built, it was damaged by Genghis Khan's forces during the invasion of Khwarezm. 6. The mosque then underwent a few further renovations throughout the years and continues to stand as a major center of Islamic learning today. 7. The Friday Mosque of Ghazni is the oldest standing mosque in Afghanistan. 8. The outer courtyard is believed to have been built during the Seljuk period. 9. The brick walls, domes, courtyard, and minarets are all made of handmade bricks and decorated with intricate stone and plasterwork. 10. The beauty of this mosque has earned it acclaim as one of the most beautiful Islamic monuments in the world. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Friday Mosque of Ghazni in Afghanistan is one of the most important and oldest mosques in the region. According to historical accounts, the mosque was believed to have been established in the mid-9th century, when the Ghaznavid Empire was at its peak. It was built under the orders of the Ghaznavid Empire's founder, Sabuktigin. A large stone inscription at the entrance of the mosque credits Sabuktigin's son Mahmud, the famous conqueror of India, for its construction. Over the centuries, the mosque underwent many renovations and extensions. It was damaged during the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, but was restored a century later. The mosque was heavily damaged again during the Afghan Civil War in the mid-1990s. A major renovation and reconstruction project was started in 2011 and completed in 2014. The mosque features a large central courtyard, surrounded by arched arcades on four sides. Its interior is adorned with beautiful geometric and floral designs. The main prayer hall has a large dome, with four smaller domes in each corner. The main gate is flanked by two minarets, topped with white marble cupolas with intricate carvings. This impressive mosque serves as a showcase of the Islamic architecture of the Ghaznavids and has attracted several scholars to study its history and architecture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Friday Mosque of Ghazni is an ancient Islamic site located in Ghazni province of Afghanistan. 2. The mosque was originally constructed around the year 1000 CE, by the Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, making it one of the oldest surviving places for Islamic worship in the region. 3. The mosque is famous for its intricate tilework and carved stonework, including the four-minaret belfry which adorned the building, and the fan-shaped entrance. 4. The mosque has suffered a number of destructive events through the course of its lifetime, due to several invasions and earthquakes. However, despite the damage, the Friday Mosque still stands as an impressive Islamic architectural monument. 5. The mosque’s design is considered the height of Islamic art in Central Asia, and it has served as a source of inspiration for many mosques in the region. 6. In 2014, UNESCO designated the Friday Mosque of Ghazni as a world heritage site. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era