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"
SHAH DO SHAMSHIRA MOSQUE",
LOCATION:
In Kabul.
DESCRIPTION:
" The large two-storied mosque across the
river from Timur Shah's mausoleum stands on the site of a
mosque originally dedicated in 1544. The present building
was commissioned by King Amanullah's mother.
Its
name, meaning the Mosque of the King of Two Swords, relates
to an early legend concerning the arrival of Islam in Kabul.
Here, it is said, an early Islamic commader fell in a heroic
battle against Hindu forces protecting Kabul's holiest Hindu
temple. He led the battle wielding a sword in each hand although
he had already lost his head in the vicinity of the Bala Hissar.
He was buried on the site of the Hindu temple and his tomb,
now an important ziarat (shrine) in Kabul, is located
across the street from the mosque, its doorway decorated with
ibex horns. A large pigeon tower stands by the entrance. Flocks
of pigeons such as this are an attactive feature of many shrines
throughout Afghanistan."
From
Dupree, N. H. An Historical guide to Afghanistan. Kabul.
1977. p. 86.
CONDITION:
Well
maintained by the community
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SHAH DO SHAMSHIRA MOSQUE
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