Overview:

The Pul-e Khishti Mosque, commonly referred to as the Grand Mosque of Herat, is an Islamic religious site located in the ancient city of Herat. Located in the eastern Iranian city of Khisht, the mosque was first built in the 11th century, under the rule of the Ghurid Sultan Ala ad-Din Husayn. After the subjugation of the region by the Timurid Dynasty, the mosque was significantly altered and expanded in the 15th century during the rule of Shah Rukh. It is one of the earliest Islamic monuments in Herat, and the interior is decorated with intricately carved stucco designs. The mosque is a significant site of religious worship for the local Muslim population and has been visited by numerous religious leaders over the years, including the famous Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. The Pul-e Khishti Mosque was built in Herat in the 15th century, making it one of the earliest surviving Islamic monuments in the country. 2. The mosque stands at the northwest corner of Herat’s old city, near the former Pul-e Khishti Bridge. The mosque stands at 19 meters high and is believed to have served as a beacon for approaching travelers. 3. The mosque is strikingly decorated with turquoise tiles, including inscriptions from the Koran, one of the oldest surviving examples of Persian-style tiled decoration in the region. 4. The minaret of the mosque is composed of fired brick and its design is considered to be the earliest example of a four-stepped minaret with terraces and cornices. 5. Around the mosque and within the central courtyard, visitors can find two tanks for ablution and a domed well that is believed to date back to the same time as the mosque. 6. Inside the mosque, visitors can observe its original painted dome, mihrab (a niche that indicates the direction of Mecca), and intricate carvings. 7. The Pul-e Khishti Mosque is a renowned site in Herat and a must-see for any visitor to the city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Pul-e Khishti Mosque is a historical mosque located in the old city of Herat, in Afghanistan. It was originally constructed in 1481 by the Timurid ruler Sultan Hussain Mirza, who was from the Hotaki dynasty. The mosque is still used for religious practices today. The mosque is noted for its elaborately decorated interior that combines both Central Asian and Persian influences. The main prayer hall is rectangular in shape and has a large central dome supported by four slender minarets. The walls are decorated with glazed tiles and the ceiling has ornate designs. There is also a spectacular carved stucco mihrab. The mosque served an important role in the Timurid period of Herat's history, when it was a hub for religious and political life. The complex was also used as a school and library for religious studies. During this time, Herat was also a major trade center. As a result, Pul-e Khishti Mosque was at the center of this activity. Its architecture also reflects the influence of foreign merchants and travelers. Pul-e Khishti Mosque has been damaged and restored multiple times throughout its history. It underwent renovations in the 17th and 19th centuries. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, the mosque was heavily damaged but has since been restored. In 2019, the mosque was renovated and reopened to the public, and it continues to be a popular attraction in the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Pul-e-Khishti Mosque (also known as the Masjid-e Khishti) is located in the Herat province of Afghanistan. 2. The mosque was built in 982 CE and is considered to be one of the oldest mosques in Afghanistan. 3. The mosque was built by Sultan Mas'ud III, a Ghaznavid ruler, in order to celebrate his victory over the neighboring city of Takhar. 4. The mosque has a rectangular shape and is made of bricks and stone. 5. The Pul-e-Khishti Mosque is covered in intricate decorations, colorful tilework, and mirror mosaics. 6. One of the most notable features of the mosque is the “muqarnas” (stucco decoration) that is known for its intricate design and intricate patterns. 7. The mosque is also home to one of the oldest copies of the Koran, which was written in the 13th century. 8. The Pul-e Khishti Mosque was damaged during the wars in Afghanistan but it has since been restored and is open to visitors. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era