Shrine of Ali

Blue Mosque
Rawze-e-Sharif
Basic information
Location	Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan
Affiliation	Sunni/Shia Islam
Architectural description
Architectural type	Mosque
Architectural style	Islamic
Completed	1481
Specifications

The Blue Mosque is a mosque located in the heart of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

The Seljuq dynasty sultan Ahmed Sanjar built the first known shrine at this location. It was destroyed or hidden under earthen embankment during the invasion of Genghis Khan around 1220. In the 15th century here by Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqarah was built the present Blue Mosque. It is by far the most important landmark in Mazar-i-Sharif and it is considered that the name of city (Noble Shrine, Grave of Sharif) originates from this shrine.

A site plan of the location made in the 1910s shows that there had earlier been a smaller walled precinct in the mosque, which was razed to create parklands later, although the portals to this precinct still remain as gateways for the shrine.

Tombs of varying dimensions were added for a number of Afghan political and religious leaders over the years, which has led to the development of its current irregular dimensions. These include the square domed tomb of Amir Dost Muhammad, Wazir Akbar Khan and a similar structure for Amir Sher Ali and his family.

According to a local legend here has been buried Ali who reportedly was brought here by a white camel in order to save his remains from the desecration by his enemies. Most Muslims though consider that Ali is buried in Imam Ali Mosque, Najaf in Iraq.

Gallery

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  Muslim men praying during the 2012 Ramadan

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  Entrance to one of the buildings

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  The Sultan Ahmad Mosque

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  Looking at the mosque from a far distance during the 2011

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  White Pigeons by the Blue Mosque

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  Close up

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  Persian-style tile work

See also

• List of mosques in Afghanistan