Restoration work makes Afghanistan’s oldest mosque shine in splendor
KABUL, Afghanistan – Conservation work is restoring the 9th-century mosque in Afghanistan’s Balkh province to its former glory.
The mosque’s unique architecture has captivated architects and archeologists for years.
The Noh Gonbad Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Afghanistan, is known for its characteristic stucco decorations and its nine domes.
According to historians, the mosque was damaged by the Mongol invasion in 1220 and subsequently by frequent earthquakes.
However, restoration work in recent years has helped stabilize the structure and restore it to its former glory.
The mosque is a reminder of the lost glory of the region and a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims from all over Afghanistan.
Saleh Mohammad Khaliq, historian and former cultural director of Balkh province, told the media that the mosque is a blend of Sasanian, Buddhist, and Gandhara architecture.
The mosque consists of a pillared prayer hall and a forecourt facing the Kaaba on its northeast-southwest axis.
The famous traveler Ibn Battuta compared the mosque in Balkh to the Alhambra Mosque in Granada, Spain.
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