Afghanistan is rich in architectural heritage & natural beauty. Located in the major network of ancient trade routes, connecting India & China to Persia & beyond, Afghan architecture represents layers of history A thread on the beautiful architecture & monuments of Afghanistan…
The Minaret of Jam, Ghor, Afghanistan A UNESCO world heritage site in western Ghor province of Afghanistan. Built in 12th century, the decoration of this 62m tall minaret consists of alternating bands of kufic & naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns & verses from the Qur'an.
Friday Mosque/Great Mosque of Herat, Afghanistan Also known as the Jummah Mosque is located in the city of Herat. It was built in the 15th century by the Ghurids. The mosque is laid out in a conventional iwan pattern, with three walls and a central courtyard.
The Ghurid Portal and some of the design inside the Portal that was uncovered at the Great Mosque of Herat, Afghanistan.
Khwaja Abdulla Shrine, Herat, Afghanistan Constructed in 1428 A.D, it is influenced by a Timurid architectural style. The iwan walls were kept rough, despite the grandeur of the ornamentation. The brickwork here is glazed turquoise & black in a ‘banai style’ & chevron pattern.
Herat citadel, Afghanistan Dates back to 330 BC, when Alexander the Great & his army arrived to Afghanistan after the Battle of Gaugamela. Also part of the architectural works were undertaken by Shah Rukh, who commissioned the tilework that can still be seen on several towers.
Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali) /Rawza-i-Sharif, Balkh, Afghanistan Built in the 15th century. The structure appears to be floating, a technique in Islamic architecture. The exterior is made of blue hues of highly detailed mosaic tiles, inspired by Persian design.
Exquisite details from the Blue Mosque (Shrine of Hazrat Ali) /Rawza-i-Sharif, Balkh, Afghanistan.
Bagh-e-Babur/Garden of Babur, Kabul, Afghanistan A historic park developed around 1528, it is the final resting place of the first Mughal emperor Babur. The complex comprises Shahjahani Mosque,a Garden pavilion & a Queen’s palace. In 1933 it was converted into public space.
Ahmad Shah Durrani Mausoleum, Afghanistan Ahmedshah Durrani was the founder of the Durrani dynasty. His tomb constructed in the 19th century is located in Kandhar adjacent to the shrine of the cloak. The octagonal-shaped tomb is a symbol of ancient Islamic Afghan architecture.
Front view of Ahmad Shah Durrani Mausoleum, Afghanistan.
