Miracle in the desert of Afghanistan: Hazrat Ali Blue Mosque, whose beauty not only admires Muslims

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

There are many architectural masterpieces on the planet, and mosques occupy a special place in this list. One of the most magnificent gems of oriental architecture is the Blue Mosque, located in the center of the Afghan province (wilayat) of Balkh. The incredibly beautiful building, almost completely covered with turquoise tiles, catches the eye and makes you think about how great the talent of architects and artists who worked on this miracle.

The modern blue mosque is essentially a "reincarnation" of the old mosque, which was destroyed by Genghis Khan in about 1220. The Muslim shrine was restored by Sultan Ahmed Sanjar from the Seljuk dynasty. Then, in the 15th century, Sultan Hussein Mirza Baykar rebuilt the building, or rather, erected a new one - bigger and more luxurious.

A plan for the site of the Islamic shrine, made in the 1910s, shows that the mosque used to occupy a smaller area, and only later a park appeared here. Over the years, tombs of various sizes have been built on the grounds of the mosque for a number of Afghan political and religious leaders, which has led to the fact that the building is now not as proportional as it used to be. In general, there is little left of the original ancient mosque, but it was in the renewed form that this masterpiece was recognized as the most beautiful mosque in Afghanistan.

Ancient Shiite traditions

According to the generally accepted opinion, it was in this place that the righteous Caliph Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, who was killed by traitorous conspirators, was once buried.

Afghan historians claim that Ali was originally buried near Baghdad, but immediately after the burial, his followers took the body to hide. They were afraid that Ali's enemies would not calm down even after his death and desecrate the remains. The body was transported on a camel, but the camel, unable to withstand a long, exhausting trip, eventually fell. It is believed that the deceased was buried at the same place, which is why the tomb and the mosque built later received the name "Mazar-i-Sharif" (literally - "Tomb of the Saint"). This is the name of the city.

During the period of the raid on these lands by the troops of Genghis Khan, the grave had to be covered with earth so that the enemies would not notice it. Well, it was discovered, according to legend, by the peasants of the local village. While plowing the land, they accidentally stumbled upon a stone tomb. Inside lay the Koran, the famous sword of Ali, as well as his dead body, which did not undergo decomposition, which was later considered a sign of holiness.

Interestingly, the Persians and Arabs do not support this hypothesis and believe that Ali was not killed here at all, but in Mesopotamia, and his grave, according to their version, is in Najef (Iraq).

There is no other such in the world

Among the most revered burials of the mosque are, first of all, the square domed tomb-mausoleum of Amir Dost Muhammad, Vazir Akbar Khan and a similar structure for Amir Sher Ali and his family.

The mausoleum of Hazrat Ali located in the courtyard of the mosque is fantastically beautiful! It is covered with a carpet of very intricate tiles.

A distinctive feature of the Blue Mosque is that even non-believers can enter it - albeit for a certain fee. But representatives of other faiths are not allowed to visit Ali's tomb.

Outwardly, the mosque looks simply amazing: two domes of bright blue are very successfully combined with a tiled covering of all shades of blue. This blue-turquoise-blue "carpet" harmoniously looks yellow and red accents, and the ornament is so intricate that it is impossible to look away. The inside of the building is no less beautiful.

Although most of this decoration appeared in the past and the century before last, during the restoration of the building, there are also more ancient fragments here - for example, a marble slab, on which the inscription: "Ali is the Lion of Allah" is applied. This was the name of the caliph during his lifetime.

The Blue Mosque is rightfully considered the most important attraction and hallmark of Mazar-i-Sharif and Balkh. In addition to an architectural monument and a place of worship, this mosque has also become the center of the city's social life.

At the end of March, Shiites invariably raise a large flag over the mosque to mark the beginning of the 40-day festivities in honor of Navruz (Muslim New Year). The day of the end of this holiday period, which is called "Red Blossom", usually coincides with that wonderful time when red tulips bloom in the vicinity of Mazar-i-Sharif.

The Blue Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in addition to Muslim pilgrims (mainly Shiites) and tourists, it is visited in large numbers by photographers. From whatever point you shoot, you will definitely get a gorgeous photo.

And locals also believe that thousands of white doves, which can almost always be seen in the courtyard of the mosque and around it, have settled here for a reason. People say that one of these birds (which one is unknown) is actually not a dove at all, but a spirit sent here by the Almighty.

According to another belief, ordinary gray pigeons, once in this holy place and staying on the territory of the mosque for forty days, turn white.

A turquoise blue architectural monument that delights everyone who is lucky enough to visit this unique place is as beautiful as Thailand's white wonder which is also a must-see for a tourist.