The devastating earthquakes in Herat have not only resulted in loss of life and substantial financial damage but have also triggered a cultural tragedy. Over the past two weeks, a series of earthquakes has inflicted damage on numerous historical buildings and structures in Herat province, demanding immediate repair, restoration, and reconstruction. Among the severely affected structures are the Herat Central Blue Mosque, minarets, the Arg-e Herat (Citadel of Herat), and various other historical buildings.
Herat, known as the jewel of Khorasan, possesses numerous historical and cultural treasures. Scholars and orators have often referred to Herat as the city of “knowledge and culture.” This city has recently undergone a human and cultural catastrophe as a result of the powerful earthquakes.
The Herat Central Blue Mosque, which is a significant religious site with a rich historical background, has seen its minarets crumble and sustain serious damage. Investigations by The Hasht-e Subh Daily indicate that the tiles of this historical place have shattered due to the earthquake, and parts of its domes have been compromised.
A Herat resident, speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, highlights the condition of the Herat Central Blue Mosque. He expresses, “In comparison to other historical buildings in Herat, the Herat Central Blue Mosque has endured more substantial damage. I personally visited the mosque, inspecting the rooms used for winter prayers up close. Regrettably, it seems to have suffered severe damage.”
This Herat resident adds that the minarets have collapsed, and some parts are in the process of falling. According to him, many tiles have broken, and parts of the domes, including those in the prayer hall, have been affected. He further explains, “In the prayer hall, both the interior and the roof have developed cracks.”
The renowned Herat Citadel, also recognized as the Arg-e-Herat has experienced damage. An anonymous local source reports, “Two of the Citadel’s towers have sustained significant damage, with bricks collapsing, and the Citadel’s walls have developed severe cracks. When we enter the Citadel, it becomes evident that the bricks have fallen, and the Citadel has incurred substantial damage.”
The deadly earthquake two weeks ago also severely impacted the minarets of Herat. Due to this earthquake, the upper portions of one of the minarets collapsed. Images sent in also indicate that the upper section of one of the minarets has collapsed.
The strong earthquakes in Herat have left no historical buildings in this province unscathed. Some cultural figures express grave concerns, stating that if immediate attention is not given to these historical structures, they will crumble with the onset of snow and rain. According to them, most of these historical edifices are made of adobe and mud bricks, making them highly susceptible to natural disasters.
Mohammad Amin (pseudonym), one of the cultural figures in Herat, states that he has visited all the historical sites in the city. According to him, without prompt restoration and maintenance, most of these historical buildings will collapse. He emphasizes that the Taliban and international organizations responsible for preserving ancient monuments must take serious action in this regard. He adds, “The restoration of these structures must begin as soon as possible because, if immediate measures are not taken, historical buildings will deteriorate with the onset of the rainy season. When we ascend the Herat Central Blue Mosque, it becomes evident that cracks have formed between the domes, and the tiles alongside the minarets have crumbled, creating cracks. If there is rainfall, water will penetrate the cracks, leading to the collapse of a significant part of the Herat Central Blue Mosque. The Citadel of Herat is facing a similar dilemma.”
Nevertheless, local Taliban authorities in Herat province have also confirmed that the severe earthquakes in this region have caused significant damage to historical buildings. The Head of the Directorate of Information and Culture of the Taliban in Herat province has stated that there are officially 870 historical sites and buildings registered in this province, all of which have been damaged or partially destroyed as a result of the powerful earthquakes.
It should be noted that in the Herat earthquakes, more than 2,600 people have lost their lives, and over 10,000 others have been injured. Over the past two weeks, several cultural figures in the country have repeatedly expressed concerns about the destruction of cultural heritage and emphasized that in the midst of a human tragedy, the cultural catastrophe should not be forgotten.
The intentions of the Taliban, who have a poor track record with historical sites and buildings, regarding the restoration and preservation of Herat’s minarets and other historical structures remain unclear. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has not responded to this matter, and no country or organization has expressed readiness to repair these heritage sites.
