Overview:

Shah Jahan Mosque, also known as Mosque-e-Jami, is a historic mosque located in the Wazir Akbar Khana market area of Kabul, Afghanistan. The mosque was constructed in 1647 CE by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who was also responsible for the construction of the famous Taj Mahal in India. The mosque features imposing twin minarets, a protruding marble-faced entrance, and a copper dome, all located around a large courtyard. It is said to be the only example of a Mughal Mosque built in the region. The interior is decorated with intricate blue tile-work and Quranic calligraphy on the walls. The mosque is a great tourist attraction, and is also an important place of worship for Muslims living in Kabul. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Central dome: The most prominent feature of the Shah Jahan Mosque in Kabul is its large, central dome. This multi-domed roof is the main feature of the mosque and is visible from across Kabul. 2. Minarets: The mosque is flanked by two large minarets on either side, each about 50 meters tall. These minarets are surrounded by a number of smaller domes and provide a beautiful contrast to the large central dome. 3. Exterior walls: The mosque is surrounded by magnificent exterior walls which are made of marble and decorated with intricate geometric patterns. The walls are about 8 meters high and can be seen from across Kabul. 4. Courtyards: The mosque has two large courtyards which are connected by grand archways. The courtyards are adorned with elaborate marble fountains and flowering plants. 5. Interior: The interior of the mosque is decorated with colorful tiles, intricate mosaic artwork, and is adorned with spectacular chandeliers. The entire interior of the mosque is lit by windowed walls and large stained-glass windows. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Shah Jahan Mosque, located in the city of Kabul, was first built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1646. It is one of the most significant and well-known landmarks of Kabul, and a symbol of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. The mosque underwent a major renovation in the late 1930s, and its interior was reconstructed with intricate decoration in Mir Emad Hasheem style. The mosque is comprised of a large prayer area and a multi-level arcades. The interiors are lavishly adorned with colorful tiles and calligraphy hewn by the gifted artisan Mir Emad Hasheem. The Shah Jahan Mosque is built on a marble platform which is connected to other mosques in the city. The walls are also decorated with numerous wall paintings. The mosque boasts an enormous dome with a height of 68 feet, which is believed to be one of the highest domes in the world. The dome is covered with a number of intricate Quranic verses. The mosque has four minarets surrounding the dome and each minaret is crowned with a peacock design in order to symbolize the Mughal period. The Shah Jahan mosque adorns the skyline of the city and has become an iconic landmark of Kabul. It also provides a spiritual atmosphere for devotees and visitors alike, making it one of the most visited sites in the city. The mosque has continued to bear witness to a long and tumultuous history of Afghanistan. It has managed to maintain its beauty and in 2018, it was declared a national cultural heritage site by the government of Afghanistan. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. It is the oldest surviving mosque in Afghanistan. 2. It is believed to have been built in the late 16th century, during the Mughal Empire. 3. The mosque is constructed in the shape of a cruciform, with a large dome and four minarets at the corners. 4. It is the largest mosque in Afghanistan and can accommodate up to 5000 worshippers at a time. 5. The interior of the mosque is decorated with marble relief work and is covered with very fine tiles. 6. The interior walls are adorned with marvelous frescoes and the adjacent sanctuary is filled with carpets and plenty of colorful wall covering. 7. The mosque is considered as a great example of the wonderful Mughal architecture. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era