Mazar-e-Sharif Iconic Shrine Neglected due to Taliban’s Ideology

DID Press: The revered Rawza-e-Sakhi shrine, believed by many to be the burial site of Imam Ali (A.S.), is facing alarming neglect and structural decay — a situation cultural expert said it reflects the Taliban’s ideological disregard for Afghanistan’s religious heritage.

Local sources reported that much of the shrine’s interior and courtyard lighting has gone dark, walls have cracked, and the signature blue-tiled mosaics are crumbling or missing. Broken benches, faded posters, and polluted water channels around the complex have further eroded the site’s once-sacred appearance.

Field observations show layers of dust and cobwebs accumulating inside the shrine, with no evidence of systematic cleaning, maintenance, or restoration.

Limited renovation efforts took place during the former republic, particularly around the dome and courtyard, but since the Taliban’s return to power, the shrine has been largely abandoned. Analysts say the group’s Salafi-influenced interpretation of Islam has led to apathy toward sites venerated by other Muslim communities.

Cultural heritage experts warn that continued neglect will cause irreversible damage to one of Afghanistan’s key historical and religious landmarks. They have urged the Taliban government to allocate a preservation budget, establish oversight mechanisms, and involve cultural institutions in restoration efforts.

Despite Taliban officials’ repeated claims of commitment to protecting the country’s cultural heritage, conditions at Rawza-e-Sakhi tell a different story.

Located in the northern Mazar-e-Sharif city, the shrine remains one of Afghanistan’s most iconic spiritual and cultural monuments, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year. Its preservation, experts say, is vital not only for religious and historical reasons but also for the nation’s cultural identity and tourism potential.