Overview:

Masjid-e Kohna – or the ‘Old Mosque’ – is an historic mosque located in the city of Balkh in northern Afghanistan. It was originally constructed in the eighth century during the reign of the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I and saw further rebuilding and expansion during the rule of the more famous Caliph Harun al-Rashid. The mosque now stands in its partially restored state, a testament to the historic and architectural importance of Balkh and its place as one of the earliest Islamic cities. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

The prominent features of Masjid-e Kohna, Balkh in Afghanistan include: 1. The grand scale of the building: Masjid-e Kohna is one of the largest mosques in the ancient city of Balkh in Afghanistan. It is a massive, square building that covers about 700 m2. 2. The decorative brickwork: Masjid-e Kohna is built from exceptionally well-dried and strong bricks painted in a variety of colors. The decorative brickwork includes lattices, bands, and multiple patterns, all of which provide architectural variety. 3. The grand entrance: The entrance to the mosque is grandly framed by two large arches, consisting of brick piers and arched brick bands. This entrance leads to two colonnaded courtyards, sheltered by a wooden cupola. 4. The colonnaded courtyards: Located around the prayer hall, the two open-sided courtyards have finely-crafted columns and rounded arches that provide a sense of space and energy. 5. The elegant prayer hall: The prayer hall of Masjid-e Kohna is grandly structured, with larger and smaller arches that offer tremendous architectural interest. Its interior is richly decorated with carved stucco and bright tilework, creating a stunning setting for worship. 6. The domed roofs: The mosque is topped by multiple domes that rise gracefully above the main prayer hall. These domes draw the eye upwards and add to the overall grandeur of the building. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Masjid-e Kohna is a historic mosque located in Balkh, Afghanistan. It is one of the oldest mosques in the country, believed to have been constructed in the late 10th century CE during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi. The mosque has been demolished and rebuilt several times since then, but has maintained its basic original form. The mosque was initially built by Sultan Mahmud to honor his brother, Muhammad Khalil, who died in battle while defending their father's kingdom. The mosque was then expanded after the Islamic conquest of Persia and Afghanistan and was the site of numerous ceremonies and religious celebrations. During the medieval period, the mosque served as an important center for learning and culture. It served as a meeting place for theology scholars, and religious leaders. Many prominent Islamic philosophers, like Al-Biruni and Avicenna, studied and taught in the mosque. At the present time, the Masjid-e Kohna is used as a place of worship. However, sections of the original structure have deteriorated and are in need of restoration. Despite this, the mosque is depicted in many Afghan postage stamps and coins and is seen by many as a symbol of Afghan cultural and religious heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Masjid-e Kohna is the second oldest mosque in Afghanistan, after the Great Friday Mosque (Jamia Masjid) of Herat which dates back to the 12th century. 2. Masjid-e Kohna is located in the ancient city of Balkh, in northern Afghanistan. The city was an important city of the Islamic world during much of the time of the Caliphate. 3. The mosque was initially built in 964 AD and was destroyed by Genghis Khan's forces in 1219 AD. However, the mosque was rebuilt by the Timurids in the 15th century. 4. Masjid-e Kohna is located very close to the ancient remains of the city's famous citadel, Balcharag. 5. The mosque has many intricate and beautiful architectural designs, including multiple domes and a large Islamic script that wraps around the walls of the building. 6. Due to its age, Masjid-e Kohna is a popular tourist destination and it is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era