Afghanistan: Mazar-i-Sharif – Blue Mosque

Without a doubt, the main attraction in Mazar-i-Sharif is the stunning Blue Mosque aka the Shrine of Hazrat Ali. It’s famous the world o er renowned for its turquoise domes and intricate blue tilework, a hallmark of Timurid architecture. The mosque is believed to house the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the fourth caliph of Islam. The mosque dates back to the 12th century, was completely destroyed by Genghis Khan’s Mongol invasion around 1220, and then completely rebuilt in the 15th century under the Timurid ruler Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqara. The mosque complex is massive, featuring a central shrine with a 42m high double dome and flanked by two 38m minarets. The exterior is covered in intricate blue tiles with geometric and floral patterns, complemented by a golden iwan with Persian, Arabic, and Azeri calligraphy. The mosque is really beautiful, and one can roam and explore it all around after securing a permit from Taliban. It’s truly stunning at sunset time!