Overview:

The Great Mosque of Herat is one of the largest and most iconic mosques in Afghanistan. Located in the city of Herat, the mosque was constructed in 1416 and it is one of the most important monuments of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. It is an especially important site for the study of Timurid-style architecture and decoration. The mosque is also known as Masjid-e Jami and complex covers more than 8,000 square meters, with a sprawling garden in the middle. It is composed of a central courtyard, flanked by two large iwans (halls), which house a beautiful mosaic façade and two sets of four minarets. Inside the mosque is an intricately decorated prayer hall, with stucco work and intricate tile-work. These tiles, made by master craftsmen, depict a variety of scenes including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and were admired by Timur and other rulers of his dynasty. Surrounding the mosque are numerous other monuments, including a number of madrasas, or religious schools, as well as a bathhouse, an astronomical observatory, and a library. Today, the mosque is still in use as a place of worship for both Sunnis and Shias. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Its monumental entrance gateway dating back to 1417: The mosque's entrance gateway is a stunning monument which is the oldest structure in the mosque complex. It was built in 1417 by the Timurid ruler Shahrukh Mirza for the sole purpose of serving as the entrance to the mosque courtyard. 2. Its two-layered roof: One of the most iconic features of the Great Mosque of Herat is its two-layered roof. The upper layer is covered with intricate turquoise tile-work which creates a magnificent canopy as part of the mosque's grand design. 3. Its elegant minarets: The mosque is known for its four slender and elegant minarets which date back to 1511 and 1521. These minarets soar above the courtyard and provide a stunning backdrop to the mosque's architecture. 4. Its intricate interior decoration: The stunning and intricate interior decoration of the Great Mosque of Herat has fascinated visitors for years. Its walls are adorned with intricate geometric patterns, beautiful tile work, and vivid colors. 5. Its mihrab: One of the most prominent features of the mosque is its magnificent mihrab – the recess which indicates the direction of Mecca. This mihrab is beautifully decorated with intricate geometric patterns and colorful tiles. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Great Mosque of Herat is one of the oldest and most venerated Islamic structures in Afghanistan. This grand mosque was built in the 1400s by the order of Sultan Husain Mirza Bayqarah, a direct descendant of Timur. It used to span an area of more than 2000 square meters and was an important religious center for Muslims living in Afghanistan. The architecture of the Mosque was inspired by the great mosques of Persia, such as those of Isfahan and Shiraz. The Mosque was built with local materials but in the style of Persian architecture, featuring four grand arches and a massive dome rising over 52 meters in height. Originally, the Mosque had two hundred and fifty columns and its interior was decorated with lapis and plasterwork. The outer walls were adorned with white marble and a blue glazed tile frieze that ran around the circumference. The main feature of the mosque was the vast stone courtyard, surrounded by prayer halls and classrooms, along with a library that held many manuscripts and books from different periods of Islamic history. Throughout the centuries, the Mosque underwent several modifications and it suffered considerable damage during the wars of the past century. In the aftermath of the Soviet invasion, the Mosque was neglected and nearly forgotten, until its recent restoration over the last couple of years. In 2019, the Mosque reopened to members of the public after years of restoring its exterior and interior, and reclaiming its spiritual importance within the city. Today, the Mosque remains an important religious site for the people of Herat, and a reminder of the city’s vibrant history. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Great Mosque of Herat is a mosque located in the city of Herat in western Afghanistan. 2. The mosque was built during the Ghurid Dynasty in 1139 CE. 3. The mosque features incredible blue tilework and domed ceilings. 4. The dome is inscribed with verses from the Koran. 5. The mosque also serves as a huge library of Islamic art and culture. 6. The mosque complex includes the tomb of Ghiyath al-Din, the founder of the Ghurid dynasty. 7. The mosque is still in use today and is a popular tourist destination in Afghanistan. 8. The mosque was damaged during the civil war in Afghanistan but has since been restored. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era