Shrine of Ali

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

The Blue Mosque is a mosque located in the center 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 in around 1220. In the 15th century, Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqarah built the current Blue Mosque here. It is by far the most important landmark in Mazar-i-Sharif and it is believed 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.[1]

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.[1]

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.

Alternatively, the personage buried in the shrine may have predated Islam. Identifying the shrine with Ali could likely be a myth to ensure the tomb would be protected and honored by the Islamic establishment.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan". ArchNet. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  2. ↑ Glassé, C. (2003). The New Encyclopedia of Islam.

Coordinates: 36°42′30″N 67°06′40″E / 36.70833°N 67.11111°E / 36.70833; 67.11111

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