🕌 Blue Mosque (Shrine of Ali, Mazar-i-Sharif)
Afghanistan
About This Sacred Site
The Blue Mosque, officially the Shrine of Ali (Rawze-e-Sharif), is the centerpiece of Mazar-i-Sharif and Afghanistan's most important pilgrimage site. Many Afghan Muslims believe this is the true burial place of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam. The mosque is renowned for its brilliant blue-tiled exterior, which was extensively restored in the 20th century. The shrine is the focal point of the annual Nowruz celebrations, when a special flag-raising ceremony (janda bala) draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Key Facts
- •Many believe it houses the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib
- •The name 'Mazar-i-Sharif' means 'Noble Shrine'
- •Renowned for its brilliant blue tilework
- •Center of Afghanistan's Nowruz celebrations
- •The janda bala flag-raising ceremony draws huge crowds
Location
Coordinates: 36.7069, 67.1147
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