Women and children pose in front of Blue Mosque Mazar-i-Sharif

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Tajik women proudly pose with their children burqa's thrown back in front of the main entrance to the Blue Mosque Mazar-i-Sharif Balkh Province. Wednesday mornings are reserved for women to come and worship at the mosque. Elaborate tilework and decorated spires adorn the mosque also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali (Hazrat Ali was the son-in-law of the prophet Mohammed) who is believed to be buried here. The shrine of particular importance for Afghanistan's Shi'ite Muslims was first built in the 12th century destroyed by Genghis Khan and rebuilt in 1481. The current mosque considered by some to be one of the most beautiful in Central Asia is a modern restoration.

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Size: 4698px × 3159px
Location: Mazar-i Sharif Balk Afghanistan
Photo credit: © Beth Wald / Aurora Photos / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: ali, architecture, asia, burka, cent, central, family, hazrat, history, islam, journalismcollection, mazar-, mazar--sharif, mosaic, mosque, muslim, religion, sharif, shiite, shrine, tile, women, worship