Afghans call for Taliban government to help repair Blue Mosque after earthquake
Posted on: Nov 05, 2025 19:59 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Some residents in northern islamic state of afghanistan called on midweek for the taleban regime to facilitate rebuild and restore a historic mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif that was damaged in a powerful earthquake.
Monday’s magnitude 6.3 quake struck near the city, killing at least 27 people, injuring almost 1,000 and destroying hundreds of houses, weeks before the onset of Afghanistan's harsh winter.
The Hazrat Ali Shrine, also known as the Blue Mosque, is considered one of the holiest sites in Afghanistan and is believed to be the burial site of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad.
The current structure, with its vibrant blue tiles and intricate mosaics, was built in the 15th century.
It suffered visible damage following the quake, with tiles broken off and cracked minarets, a Reuters team that visited the site on Wednesday said.
Sayed Mohammad Hussain, a university lecturer in Mazar-i-Sharif, said the mosque was one of the city's preeminent historical symbols and a popular local attraction.
"Considering the parts that have been damaged, we call for serious attention from... The government to help rebuild and restore it," he said.
The mosque had suffered "serious damage", said Sayed Bashir Rasaa, another local resident.
"In my 55 years of life, I have never seen such an earthquake," he said.
No repair work has begun and the mosque remains open to the public although the Taliban has pledged to begin repairs.
"The Ministry's technical team will soon take the necessary steps to assess the extent of the damage and begin restoration efforts," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture said after the quake.
The hardline Taliban outraged the world in 2001 when it last ruled Afghanistan by ordering the destruction of two giant Buddhist statues known as the Buddhas of Bamiyan, calling them idolatrous.
Since returning to power in 2021, it has said it takes cultural preservation seriously and has pledged to restore sites including at Bamiyan.
The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley remain on the U.N. Culture and education agency UNESCO's list of endangered World Heritage monuments.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.