Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif
The Blue Mosque also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali built in the 15th century, located in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, is a mosque which people believe contains the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Muslims regard Ali as their Fourth Rightly Guided Caliph and they pay tribute to Ali's shrine every year. Besides the two aforementioned names the site also has many other native names as Rawze-e-Sharif, Mazar-e-Ali, Ziyarat-e-Ali , Masjid-e-Ali Mazar.
Abroad the mosque is often referred to as Blue Mosque, referencing the pale blue tiles, dominating the appearance of the building. The site is also where many pilgrims annually celebrate Nowruz. At the annual Jahenda Bala ceremony, a holy flag is raised in honour of Hazrat Ali. People touch the flag for luck in the New Year.
History
When Hazrat Ali was martyred, Afghans believed that his body was taken
and buried in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif at this site. Ali was
reportedly brought here by a white camel in order to save his remains
from the desecration by his enemies.
Identifying the shrine with Hazrat Ali could likely be a myth to ensure
the tomb would be protected and honored by the Islamic establishment.
Historical studies confirm that the owner of the shrine is
Ali bin Abi Talib Al-Balkhi, captain of the Alevis in Balkh
during his time.
The Sultan of the Seljuq dynasty, Ahmed Sanjar, built the first known shrine at this location. It was destroyed or hidden under earthen embankment during the invasion of Genghis Khan around 1220. In the 15th century, Timurid Sultan Husayn Bayqarah Mirza built a mosque over the tomb of Hazrat Ali. It is by far the most important landmark in Mazar-i-Sharif and it is believed that the name of city originates from this shrine.
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