Table of Contents
Introduction
Mazar-e-Sharif, located in northern Afghanistan, is considered one of the country’s most important spiritual and cultural centers. Known as “Noble Shrine” in Persian, the city is home to the dazzling Blue Mosque and the tomb of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. For centuries, Mazar-e-Sharif has attracted Muslim pilgrims from near and far, particularly during Nawruz, the Persian New Year. Beyond its religious significance, Mazar is also renowned for its intricate shrines, mosques and mausoleums, as well as its role as a center for traditional crafts and trade. Although the city’s rich cultural legacy suffered under Taliban control in the late 1990s, restoration efforts in recent years have helped revive Mazar’s spiritual heart.
History
The early history of Mazar-e-Sharif is filled with myths and legends about the origins of Hazrat Ali’s tomb. According to tradition, Ali was assassinated in 661 CE and buried at Kufa, Iraq. However, proponents believe his remains were later brought to Balkh, an ancient city near present-day Mazar that was once a center of Zoroastrianism. In the 12th century, a local mullah had a dream revealing the location of Ali’s tomb, leading to the founding of Mazar-e-Sharif.
Over the centuries, Mazar-e-Sharif passed between many different rulers, including the Mongols, Timurids and Uzbeks. It was finally integrated into Afghanistan in the mid-1800s after decades of dispute between Afghan and Persian forces. Mazar continued to develop into a major city under Afghan rule, acting as a hub for trade and Islamic scholarship. However, tragedy struck in 1998 when the Taliban gained control of Mazar and killed thousands of Hazara civilians as part of a targeted ethnic cleansing campaign. After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, residents were able to return and begin rebuilding their cherished shrines and mosques.
Architecture and Monuments
The most iconic site in Mazar-e-Sharif is the stunning Blue Mosque, also called the Shrine of Hazrat Ali. Built in the 15th century, the mosque contains Ali’s tomb and dazzles visitors with its intricate blue, white and black tilework and carved wooden columns. Nearby is the white-marbled Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, the first Sufi practitioner to settle in the region.
Dozens of other mosques, shrines and mausoleums also dot the city, often adorned with vivid mosaics and paintings. Key examples include the Shrine of Khawaja Sahib, the Mosque of Shaikh Hussamuddin Ansari and the Bibi Fatima Mausoleum. For history buffs, the Balkh Museum offers ancient artifacts from Greco-Buddhist times, while the sprawling Mazar-e-Sharif Military Base hints at the city’s strategic importance.
Role as a Pilgrimage Site
As the purported burial place of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-e-Sharif is considered Afghanistan’s preeminent pilgrimage site. Ali was the Fourth Caliph after Prophet Muhammad and is revered for his courage, wisdom and eloquence. Each year, thousands flock to Mazar-e-Sharif to pay their respects, especially during Nawruz celebrations in March when singing, dancing and sufi rituals abound at Ali’s Blue Mosque shrine.
Beyond Hazrat Ali, Mazar is also home to the tombs of other esteemed Islamic figures like Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah, son of Ali, and Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa. The diversity of sacred shrines attracts Muslims from neighboring countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan as well as Persian-speaking Shiite communities.
Traditions and Culture
As an ancient Silk Road trading hub, Mazar-e-Sharif has long fostered the growth of traditional crafts and industries. Mazar is famously known for its hand-woven wool carpets with intricate geometric and floral motifs. Other popular crafts include engraved copper products, jewelry made with Afghan lapis lazuli, as well as pottery and knitted goods.
Culturally, music and dance remain integral parts of Mazar’s shrine culture. Sufi musicians play devotional songs on the Rubab, a lute-like instrument, while whirling dervish dances are performed in courtyards. During the city’s annual tulip festival each May, heritage parades and buzkashi horseback games add to the festive atmosphere. Mazar is also well-known for its bountiful shrine kitchens, which offer free meals to pilgrims and visitors.
Recent Developments
After enduring great losses in the 1990s under the repressive Taliban regime, Mazar-e-Sharif has seen gradual cultural and economic recovery in recent years. Many mosques and shrines damaged or destroyed by the Taliban have been painstakingly restored, such as the dazzling Blue Mosque. International aid has supported these rebuilding initiatives as well as general improvements in education, infrastructure and social services.
To boost pilgrimage and tourism, the Afghan government announced plans in 2017 to turn Mazar-e-Sharif into a special economic zone. New hotels and tourist facilities are also being constructed to accommodate the some two million pilgrims expected to visit annually. However, security concerns and instability in the region remain challenges. Going forward, continued preservation efforts will be key to safeguard Mazar’s magnificent history as Afghanistan’s spiritual beacon.
Conclusion
With its sacred shrines, intricate Islamic architecture and enduring pilgrimage traditions, Mazar-e-Sharif stands as one of Afghanistan’s most culturally significant cities. Despite past conflicts and destruction, Mazar’s deep spiritual heritage continues to inspire restoration and revival today. By protecting these precious sites and supporting traditional crafts, Mazar-e-Sharif can hopefully regain its stature as a thriving center of faith, art and commerce.
FAQs
What is the population of Mazar-e-Sharif?
The population of Mazar-e-Sharif is estimated to be around 635,000 people as of 2020, making it the fourth largest city in Afghanistan.
When was the Blue Mosque built?
The famous Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif was constructed in the 15th century, from 1468 to 1470 AD. It surrounds the tomb and shrine of Hazrat Ali.
Who was Hazrat Ali?
Hazrat Ali was Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law and became the fourth caliph of Islam after Muhammad’s death. He is revered by Muslims for his wisdom, bravery and knowledge of Islamic law and rituals.
What handicrafts is Mazar-e-Sharif known for?
Mazar-e-Sharif is renowned for handicrafts like wool carpets, engraved copper items, ceramics and pottery, jewelry made with lapis lazuli gemstones, as well as knitted goods.
What are the best times of year to visit Mazar-e-Sharif?
The best times to experience Mazar-e-Sharif are during Nawruz, the Persian New Year festival in March, when thousands of pilgrims flock to the city, and the annual Tulip Festival each May. April-May and September-October are ideal weather-wise.