Shrine of Hazrat Ali: The Blue Mosque
Discover the spiritual heart of Mazar-i-Sharif at the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, a mesmerizing testament to Islamic history and architectural artistry.
The Shrine of Hazrat Ali, also known as the Blue Mosque, is located in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, and is believed by many to be the burial place of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad [2, 4]. The dazzling blue tilework and golden domes make it a mesmerizing and important pilgrimage destination [4].
A brief summary to Shrine of Hazrat Ali
- P466+5R8، The Great Masoud St, Mazar-i-Sharif, AF
- Monday 4 am-12:30 am
- Tuesday 4 am-12:30 am
- Wednesday 4 am-12:30 am
- Thursday 4 am-12:30 am
- Friday 4 am-12:30 am
- Saturday 4 am-12:30 am
- Sunday 4 am-12:30 am
Local tips
- Dress respectfully when visiting the shrine. Women should cover their heads.
- Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the inner shrine, but are welcome to enjoy the surrounding park and admire the architecture.
- Visit during Nowruz (Persian New Year) for festive celebrations.
Getting There
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Walking
The Shrine of Hazrat Ali is located in the center of Mazar-i-Sharif, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From major landmarks in the city center, simply head towards the most prominent and visible blue-tiled building. The shrine is surrounded by a park, and entry is free.
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Public Transport
Public transport in Mazar-i-Sharif mainly consists of buses and shared taxis. If arriving by bus from another city, you can take a local shared taxi from the bus station to the shrine. The cost for a short trip in a shared taxi should be around 30-50 AFN [5]. Be sure to negotiate the price before setting off [5].
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Mazar-i-Sharif. A taxi ride from the Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR) to the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, located about 9 km away, takes approximately 15 minutes [5]. As of February 2025, the base fare for a taxi is 100 AFN, with an additional 50 AFN per kilometer [3]. Therefore, a 5 km taxi ride would cost around 250 AFN [3]. A taxi from the airport to the city center may cost 400-500 AFN [11]. Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey [5, 11].
Discover more about Shrine of Hazrat Ali
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