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Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque: Kabul's Architectural Gem

Explore Kabul's iconic Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque, a unique fusion of Islamic and European architecture reflecting Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage.

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The Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque, or 'Mosque of the King of Two Swords', is a distinctive landmark in Kabul, Afghanistan, celebrated for its unique blend of Islamic and European architectural styles [3, 5]. Constructed in the 1920s during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, the bright yellow mosque reflects the king's vision of modernizing Afghanistan [3, 5].

A brief summary to Shah e Du shamshira Mosque

  • G58C+7HJ, Kabul, AF
  • Monday 4 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 4 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 4 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 4 am-10 pm
  • Friday 4 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 4 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 4 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the mosque. Women should cover their heads, and both men and women should wear modest clothing.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and maintain personal safety, especially in crowded areas.
  • The mosque is easily visible from a distance due to its distinctive yellow facade.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From central locations in Kabul, such as Kabul City Center or the National Museum of Afghanistan, the Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque is accessible on foot [9]. Head towards the Kabul River and Andarabi Road. The mosque's distinctive yellow facade is easily visible [9]. Be mindful of traffic and pedestrian conditions.

  • Public Transport

    Kabul has a public bus system, but routes may be difficult to navigate for tourists [9]. Check local bus routes for services that pass near the Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque [9]. A single bus ride is typically very low cost [9, 12]. After getting off the bus, a short walk to the mosque may be necessary.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Kabul [9]. Request a ride to 'Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque' or provide the address (G58C+7HJ, Kabul, Afghanistan) [9]. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey. A typical taxi ride within the city may cost between 120 to 200 AFN [8]. From Kabul International Airport to the mosque, expect to pay around 1100 AFN [9].

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Discover more about Shah e Du shamshira Mosque

The Shah e Du Shamshira Mosque, meaning 'Mosque of the King of Two Swords', stands as a prominent and visually striking religious site in the heart of Kabul [3]. Located off the Kabul River on Andarabi Road, its unique architectural style sets it apart from other mosques in the region [4, 5]. Built in the 1920s during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, the mosque reflects the king's efforts to modernize Afghanistan and incorporate European design elements into the country's infrastructure [3, 5]. The design was modeled after the Ortaköy Mosque in Istanbul [3, 4]. The result is a two-story structure adorned with Italianate baroque stucco detailing, creating an aesthetic that some have described as 'Afghan Baroque' [3, 4]. The bright yellow facade, accented with white detailing, makes the mosque a vibrant and eye-catching landmark in the city [3, 5]. 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 [3, 5]. He is believed to be buried at the site [5]. After his death, the Muslim army performed their first prayer at this place and later built a mosque there [3, 5]. Not far from the mosque are the tombs of Babur and many other prominent Muslim commanders who invaded India from Afghanistan and established Muslim rule over northern India [3, 5]. The mosque has undergone renovations over the years to maintain its architectural integrity and ensure its continued use as a place of worship [3]. In June 2021, the mosque was fully renovated [3, 4]. 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 [3, 4].

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