Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque: Kabul's 'Afghan Baroque' Masterpiece

The Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque, translating to 'Mosque of the King of Two Swords', stands as a unique landmark in Kabul, Afghanistan [4, 6]. Constructed in the 1920s under King Amanullah Khan, the mosque reflects the king's efforts to modernize Afghanistan by incorporating European design elements into the country's infrastructure [4]. The mosque's design was modeled after the Ortaköy Mosque in Istanbul [4, 10]. The result is a two-story structure adorned with Italianate baroque stucco detailing, creating an aesthetic that some have described as 'Afghan Baroque' [4, 6]. The bright yellow facade, accented with white detailing, makes the mosque a vibrant and eye-catching landmark in the city [4]. The mosque's name is derived from a legend about an Arab general, Laith Ibn Qays, who fought with two swords during the early Islamic conquests in the region [4, 6]. He is believed to be buried at the site [6]. After his death, the Muslim army performed their first prayer at this place and later built a mosque there [4, 6]. Located on Andarabi Road, near the Kabul River and the Shah-Do Shamshira bridge, the mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Kabul's resilience and cultural fusion [6, 10]. It has undergone renovations to preserve its architectural integrity and continues to be a gathering place for worshippers and a focal point for religious events [4, 6]. Not far from the mosque are the tombs of Babur and other Muslim commanders who played a significant role in establishing Muslim rule in India [4, 6]. The shrine was also the site of the murder of Farkhunda Malikzada on March 19, 2015, an event that drew international attention and sparked protests against violence against women in Afghanistan [4, 6]. In June 2021, the mosque was fully renovated [4, 6].