Overview:

Masjid-e Jami (or Jāmeh Masjid) is one of the oldest mosques in Herat, Afghanistan and one of the holiest sites for Sunni Muslims in the country. The mosque was built in the late 11th century under the Seljuk rulers and is considered one of the best-preserved Seljuk monuments in the region. The building was constructed in the characteristic Islamic architectural style, with a large, covered prayer hall (masjid) and a courtyard (jami). Aside from its religious significance, the mosque is also noted for its aesthetic beauty and its intricate tilework, which boasts a range of vibrant colors and design motifs. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Grand Gateway: The great gateway of the Masjid-e Jami is a magnificent example of the brickwork and mosaic art found in the region. 2. Minarets: The two minarets, soaring at a height of 25m, decorated with blue, white and turquoise tiles are an impressive sight and a prominent feature of the mosque. 3. Forecourt: The forecourt houses a graveyard and a beautiful garden with a stepped pool in the center. 4. 18 Domes: There are 18 domes of differing shapes and sizes, some of them with circular and some with octagonal bases. 5. Calligraphy: The decoration of the mosque includes intricate calligraphy which adorn the walls and minarets. 6. Mosaics: One of the most impressive features of Masjid-e Jami is its beautiful blue and white geometric and floral mosaics, interspersed with turquoise and pearl rows. 7. Carpeted Hall: The carpeted hall of the mosque is adorned with a selection of intricately designed and colorful carpets which contrast beautifully with the white stone walls. 8. Chambers: A number of small private chambers are found along the outer walls of the mosque, accessible only to certain members of the community. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Masjid-e Jami in Herat, Afghanistan has a long and complex history. The mosque was first constructed in the 11th century by Ghaznavid sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. It was one of the first congregational mosques in present-day Afghanistan and the first official mosque in the city. At the time, the mosque was the largest in the region, occupying an area of 37,000 square meters. Over the centuries, multiple dynasties and rulers renovated, reconstructed, and expanded the mosque. Throughout the 13th century, the Seljuqs and Khwarazms made improvements to the building, including the addition of a new courtyard, a new fountain, and a pond. In the 15th century, the Timurid rulers Homayun and Bābur added several new features to the mosque, including a large dome, minarets, and a library, transforming it into the iconic structure that visitors still see today. The mosque also went through periods of destruction and reconstruction. In the 16th century, the mosque was heavily damaged during the Siege of Herat by the Persians. Later, it was restored by Ismail I, the first Safavid ruler. In the 18th century, the mosque suffered more damage during the invasion of Ahmad Shah Durrani. It was restored again by Shah Zeman in the 19th century. The mosque is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction in the city. It is home to many important historical artifacts and is a symbol of Islamic architecture in the region. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Masjid-e Jami is also known as the Grand Mosque of Herat and is located in the ancient city of Herat, Afghanistan. 2. The mosque was built in the 15th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Muslim architecture in Afghanistan. 3. The intricate design of the mosque is made of terracotta brick and reflects the architectural traditions of the Timurid period. 4. The original structure of the mosque includes four iwans, four cupolas, and two minarets. 5. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate tilework in shades of blue, red and green, along with calligraphic inscriptions in Arabic. 6. The mosque is still used as an active place of worship and has been undergoing restoration since 2010. 7. In 1979, Masjid-e Jami was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other monuments in the ancient city of Herat. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era