On this Day

Masjidi Jami, or Friday Mosque

The Herat City Tour starts with a visit to the Masjidi Jami, popularly known as the Friday Mosque, a marvel of Islamic architecture. This mosque was originally built by the Ghurid ruler Ghiyas ad-Din Ghori in 1200 (597 AH) and later expanded by his brother and successor, Muhammad of Ghor. The mosque is well-known for its exquisite blue-tiled walls, expansive grounds, and historical significance as a place of worship and learning. A quick visit to Herat's historic Tile Factory provides insight into the city's centuries-old artistry, as artists continue to manufacture multicolored tiles using age-old processes.

Herat Citadel

The tour continues with the Herat Citadel, which is one of Afghanistan's most renowned structures. This citadel, built in 330 BC during Alexander the Great's reign, has served as a military bastion for several empires over the last two millennia. Despite been demolished and rebuilt several times, the citadel stands tall as a tribute to Herat's fortitude. Within its guarded walls, tourists can explore towers, corridors, and courtyards that evoke historical conflicts and imperial control, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Herat's strategic importance throughout history.

Goharshad's Tomb and Herat's Minarets

Explore the Tomb of Goharshad and the neighboring Herat Minarets, which are remains of a once-vast religious and cultural complex. Queen Goharshad commissioned the tomb during the Timurid dynasty, and it exemplifies the elegance and creative brilliance of Herat's golden age. The towering, thin minarets nearby are magnificent examples of medieval architecture, however much of the original complex was destroyed in 1885 when the British Indian Army dynamited it. Regardless, the surviving structures are among Herat's most important and admired landmarks.

Guzargah Mosque (Khawaja Abdullah Ansari), and Puli Malaan

The journey continues to the Guzargah Mosque, also known as the shrine of Khawaja Abdullah Ansari, a renowned Sufi saint. This mosque is a sacred place of pilgrimage and spiritual devotion, magnificently decorated and rich in religious importance. Nearby, the Puli Malaan, a historic 22-arched bridge thought to have been built by the Seljuks in the early 12th century, spans the Harirud River. Local mythology links the creation of this bridge to two sisters, Bibi Hur and Bibi Noor, giving a folklore element to its architectural grandeur.

Herat Citadel - Ekhteyar Uddin

The journey concludes with another feature, the Herat Citadel - Ekhteyar Uddin, which is perched on a hill in the city's northern portion. This rectangular stronghold, with sturdy walls and 17 defensive towers, provides excellent views of Herat. Among these, Timur's Tower stands out. The citadel, one of Afghanistan's 700 registered historical and archaeological monuments, is regarded one of the oldest, with strong ties to Alexander the Great's rule in the region. Standing atop its walls, visitors can admire not only the citadel's architectural strength, but also its significance in preserving Herat's legacy over time.