Overview:

The Khwaja Abdullah Ansari Shrine in Herat, Afghanistan, is an important shrine and pilgrimage site for Shi'a Muslims. The shrine is named after the famous 11th century Persian Sufi poet and religious leader, Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, who is buried here. The shrine is known for its beautiful dome, built in 1768 by Mir Gholam-e-Razi, and the vast Islamic cemetery which surrounds it. The site attracts many worshippers, particularly during the annual celebration of Nau Ruz (New Year’s Day), which marks the beginning of the Islamic year. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. One of the most important heritage sites in Afghanistan, the shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari is a place of pilgrimage and worship in Herat, Afghanistan. 2. Located in an old courtyard next to a mosque, the shrine is known for its intricately decorated walls. It was commissioned by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1717-18 AD and later enlarged by local rulers. 3. It consists of a large rectangular courtyard surrounded by arched colonnades on its four sides. The central section has a central domed structure with the tomb of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, beneath it. 4. The interior of the shrine is adorned with fine tile work and paintings of calligraphic verses from the Qur'an. The walls and floors are adorned with intricate geometric designs. 5. Several religious books, manuscripts, and antique furnishings such as wooden chairs and chests are stored in the shrine. It also has an ancient library, which contains more than 10,000 books about the life and teachings of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. 6. The nearby mosque, which dates back to the 12th century, is another important feature of the shrine. It is a prominent landmark in Herat and still holds regular prayers. 7. Every year, a grand festival is organized at the shrine in the month of Rajab. On this day, devotees come from all over Afghanistan to offer prayers and homage to Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, also known as the Shrine of Pir, is a complex of shrines located in the old city of Herat in western Afghanistan. Built during the 11th century, the shrine is thought to be the oldest in Afghanistan and is a place of great importance among the people of the city. Known primarily for its association with the Sufi thinker, poet, and mystic, Abdullah Ansari, the Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari was enlarged and renovated several times over the centuries, making it an important cultural and pilgrimage site of Central Asia. The Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari is situated in a narrow side lane of the old city of Herat. It is believed that it was originally built in 1040CE, as a place of worship and a center of learning. The main building is marble-clad and includes a shrine hall as well as a mosque. The shrine has many facets, including a prayer chamber; an open court with four iwans (arcades) from which the devotees can pray; and a courtyard decorated with Persian-style brickwork and tiles. The shrine also houses some of the original manuscripts of Abdullah Ansari’s poetic works. These manuscripts, inscribed in several colors and languages, are placed in glass-framed displays, and the texts form a part of the eleventh-century walls of the shrine. In addition, a variety of architectural and religious relics, such as Quranic verses and miniature mosques, are also on display. The Shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari is a symbol of the multi-cultural and religious significance of the city of Herat throughout much of its long and turbulent history. Even today, the shrine remains a place of respect and reverence, and is visited by many visitors from across the world who come to pay their respects to this great Sufi mystic and philosopher. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

: 1. Khwaja Abdullah Ansari Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Afghanistan. It is located in Herat province, and is dedicated to the Sufi saint Khwaja Abdullah Ansari (1006-1089). 2. Khwaja Abdullah Ansari was a prominent Islamic theologian and writer and left behind numerous spiritual writings. His shrine is visited by both Muslims and non-Muslims all year round. 3. Inside the shrine, visitors will find several tombs, a golden dome, and decorations that illustrate the great respect and faith the people of Afghanistan have for Khwaja Abdullah Ansari. 4. The shrine serves as one of the major attractions in Herat and it is believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who visit it. 5. The shrine also houses a very large library, which contains some of the most valuable writings of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari and other Islamic scholars. 6. The site has recently been renovated, and the complex includes a garden, a pool, and a large prayer hall. 7. Each year, hundreds of pilgrims visit the site to pay homage to the spiritual figure, as well as to visit the nearby historical monuments in Herat. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era