Overview:

Sultanieh Dome, also known as Goharshad Mosque, is the largest and intact brick dome in the world, located in Balkh, Afghanistan. It was built between 1404 and 1417 during the reign of Goharshad Begum, a powerful Timurid dynastic ruler of Khorasan. The Mosque was built in grand scale to honor her late husband and memorialize his rule. It is famous for its blue tilework, intricately carved exterior, and grand dome, which is made of four million fired bricks. Sultanieh Dome is made with an octagonal plan, the main chamber is surrounded by four iwans (flanked chambers). The most astounding feature is its grand dome, extended over the central hall. The dome is gilded and inscribed with Arabic inscriptions, an important aspect in Islamic architecture. This Dome is a perfect representation of Islamic architecture of Afghanistan that defines artistic perfection. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

Sultanieh Dome is one of the most prominent historical monuments in Balkh, located in the northwest of the city. The Mosque is believed to have been built in the 13th century, during the reign of the Seljuk Turks. The Sultanieh Dome, also known as the “Silver Dome”, stands as a symbol of the city's cultural and religious diversity. The monument is a impressive, cylindrical building with a diameter of fifty-six meters and a height of thirty-four meters. The Dome is made of ceramics and is decorated with intricate calligraphy and foliated motifs. The exterior of the Mosque features two arched entrances, with magnificent gates and a calligraphic inscription referring to the Hanafi School of Islamic law. The interiors are beautifully decorated with multiple coloured tiles, a mehrab, a golden chandelier, and several other ornaments. The Sultanieh Dome is an impressive landmark of Balkh that showcases the region's vibrant culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Sultanieh Dome is an important Sufi shrine located in Balkh, Afghanistan. The structure has been around since the 13th Century and it is thought to have originally been used as a madrasa. The current building dates back to the 16th Century when the Sultan of Balkh commissioned it to be built as a memorial for a holy figure known as Sultan Ali. It is one of the best examples of Ilkhanid architecture in Afghanistan. The building is made of bricks and has a single minaret, as well as four small entrances. The octagonal dome is built on top of a large rectangular base. The interior features a large chamber with intricate ornaments, as well as several side rooms. The exterior is decorated with blue and yellow tiles, and the interior is covered in vivid golden mosaics. The site has been in a state of disrepair for many years and was completely destroyed during the Soviet Invasion. It has since been partially restored, however it is still in need of additional repair work. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Sultanieh Dome, Balkh is the fourth-largest brick dome in the world, measuring 50m in diameter and 36m in height. 2. Built in 1205CE, the Sundial design is amongst the largest of its kind in the world. 3. The beautiful mosque is known for its intricate brick designs and also for its colorful mosaics. 4. The Sultanieh Dome, Balkh is also believed to be the first mosque with a four-ivy dome. 5. During the medieval period, Sultanieh Dome, Balkh served as a hub for scholarly illumination, mystical, and philosophical debates. 6. Many famous Sufi mystics and philosophers were drawn to this place such as Siavi Atterestani. 7. The Sultaníe Dome is part of the greater historical zone of Balkh, one of the world’s most ancient cities. It is believed to have been founded by the legendary ruler Zoroaster. 8. In 1971 it was conserved by the government of Afghanistan. 9. Sultaníe Dome is listed on the Afghanistan Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era