Cracked and in rubble: this is how the famous Blue Mosque was left after the earthquake in Afghanistan

An earthquake occurred in the north of Afghanistan let 24 dead and more than 630 injuredmost of them with minor injuries, reported today Monday the National Disaster Management Authority of Afghanistan. The famous Blue Mosquesymbol of the country, suffered significant damage.

In addition to causing multiple victims, the natural phenomenon also destroyed part of one of the most famous Islamic monuments in the world: the sacred sanctuary of Mazar-e Sarif.

In videos and photos circulating on networks you can see cracks in the walls, part of its shattered dome and debris in its surroundings.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Khulm area. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3 and occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers. The affected areas were the provinces of Balkh, Samangan, Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul and Jawzjan.

Rescuers cleared and reopened several major roads, allowing some residents who had been trapped by road blockages to be rescued.

The Blue Mosque destroyed by the 6.3 earthquake. Photo: AP

Officials in Badakhshan province reported that about 800 houses were damaged by the quake.

What is the Blue Mosque?

The so-called Blue Mosque of Afghanistan It is one of the holiest temples in the country and one of the main religious centers of Shia Islam in Central Asia.

The dome of the Mosque, damaged. Photo: AP

It is located in the city of Mazar-i-Sharifin northern Afghanistan, and owes its name to the intense turquoise tone of the tiles that cover its façade and its domes.

The rubble of the Blue Mosque after the earthquake in Afghanistan. Photo: AP

Its Timurid Islamic architecture, with domes, minarets and extensive patios ornamented with mosaics, makes it one of the most beautiful and representative buildings in the region.

The spiritual importance of the shrine lies in the belief – not shared by all Muslims – that Ali ibn Abi Talib is buried therecousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and fourth caliph of Islam.

For the Shiite tradition, Ali is the central figure that marks the historical division with Sunni Islam, which is why the sanctuary attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the Nawruz (Persian New Year) holiday, when a great ceremony is held with flags and mass prayers.

A panoramic view of the Blue Mosque in Afghanistan. Photo: AP

In addition to its religious dimension, The Blue Mosque is a cultural and political symbol for Afghanistan. It survived invasions, civil wars and governments, and remains an emblem of national identity.

It also functions as a social and economic meeting point for the city, as its central square is the heart of Mazar-i-Sharif. Its architectural, historical and spiritual value makes it one of the most significant sites in the country and a reference for the Islamic heritage of Central Asia.