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The ancient mosque of Afghanistan
The ancient mosque of Afghanistan
Masjid-i Haji Piyadah is one of the oldest Islamic structures in Afghanistan. It dates back to 794 and was built on a demolished Buddhist monastery. The building is unfortunately in ruins.
The masjid was also known as "Nuh Gonbade" which means "Nine domes". This was due to the masjid having nine domes before it fell into ruin.
The masjid is constructed in a style which is very Barmakid in nature. The Barmakids served as viziers to the Abbasids, and Fadhl ibn Barmak was made governor of Balkh under Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid.
Only the columns of the masjid exist till today. These columns are made of mud and baked bricks which are covered in plaster.
Recent excavations also revealed the base and staircase of a minaret which were located at the southern corner of the prayer hall. The mihrab has historically been rebuilt twice.
The masjid still recieves visitors as there is a tomb which is still intact at the entrance of the masjid. Buried in this tomb is the Sunni saint Hadji Piyadah, whom is the reason for the masjid's modern name. This tomb was added at a later date than the rest of the building.
Some sources also label the tomb as "Aramgah e Qazi Yunus" which implies that the saint's real name was actually Yunus and worked as a Qazi (Islamic judge).
The site was listed as one of the world's most endangered monuments in 2006. A metal roof was built above the masjid to prevent it from falling into further ruin.
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