Green Mosque, 15th-century mosque in Balkh, Afghanistan.
The Green Mosque is a prayer house in Balkh with a central dome resting on stone bases where minarets once rose. Turquoise tiles cover its walls, and beneath the structure lies a burial vault containing a revered saint.
Construction began in the early 15th century under a Timurid military leader and was built above the grave of a revered saint. The work shows how religious architecture of that era honored important figures at sacred locations.
The mosque serves as a pilgrimage site where visitors come to honor the saint whose tomb lies beneath the main chamber. The prayer niche and underground burial space remain central to how people experience and use this place.
The courtyard serves visitors as the main entry space and central gathering area. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and limited access, particularly in damaged sections.
The turquoise tiles, known locally as Turkish Green, give the mosque its distinctive color and its name. This surface treatment was a labor-intensive craft in the 15th century, requiring specialized artisans.
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