Mazar-e-Sharif’s Blue Mosque partially damaged by earthquake

Monday 03 November 2025 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Mazar-e-Sharif’s Blue Mosque partially damaged by earthquake

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight from Sunday, November 2, to Monday, November 3, with its epicenter located in Balkh province, near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif. According to the Afghan Ministry of Health and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake left at least 20 people dead and nearly 320 injured, while many buildings sustained structural damage.

The Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif (also known as the Mazār-i Sharīf Blue Mosque), a 15th-century religious and architectural jewel regarded as one of the most sacred sites in the country, was partially damaged. Decorative faience tiles were dislodged, particularly around the minaret, and debris covered the inner courtyard. However, the main structure remains standing, according to video footage and eyewitness accounts.

The earthquake, which struck at an estimated depth of 28 km, caused tremors felt as far as Kabul and triggered landslides that blocked several roads. The Balkh and Samangan provinces were among the most affected areas, where rescue teams have struggled to reach isolated rural zones.

The Blue Mosque, famed for its azure dome and exquisite tilework, stands as a major cultural symbol of Afghanistan. Its vulnerability to seismic activity has raised new concerns about the preservation of heritage in a country weakened by decades of conflict and limited resources for restoration.

Taliban authorities have deployed rescue and emergency teams to assist affected populations, while the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and other humanitarian organizations have pledged support to devastated communities.

As aftershocks remain a threat, the challenge ahead is twofold: providing immediate aid to victims and launching assessments for the restoration of the nation’s cultural heritage — including the historic Blue Mosque itself.