پیشرفت در مرمت آثار تاریخی هرات پس از دو سال از زمین‌لرزه

Two years after the devastating earthquake in Herat and the widespread destruction of the province’s historical monuments, local officials say that restoration and structural reinforcement of many of these sites have been completed.

According to the Department of Information and Culture, many historic sites, including the Great Mosque, the Qala-e-Ikhtiyaruddin Citadel, the minarets, and the shrine of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari have been restored.

Ahmadullah Muttaqi, head of Herat’s Department of Information and Culture, said: “With the efforts of Herat’s Department of Information and Culture, restoration work on the Great Mosque, Qala-e-Ikhtiyaruddin, the minarets, Kazergaah Sharif, the mosque’s domes, and other affected monuments began immediately and has now been mostly completed.”

Cultural figures say that historical sites in Herat’s districts, which suffered severe damage during the earthquake, also require restoration.

Mohammad Siddiq Mir, a historical monuments expert, said: “A large number of historical sites have been restored in both the city and its outskirts. These restorations were carried out by the Department of Information and Culture, along with partner organizations linked to the Ministry of Information and Culture. The Aga Khan Foundation is active in Herat. Two or three other organizations, including Turkey’s TIKA office, are also doing notable work in this area.”

Large portions of the Great Mosque of Herat, including its minarets which were seriously damaged in the earthquake, have been restored. Repair work on other parts of this historic structure is still ongoing.

Aziz Ahmad Rasouli, head of the Great Mosque Restoration Project, stated: “Most of the mosque’s minarets were damaged in the earthquake around 90% were destroyed. But now, they have been fully restored. The tiling was done in the traditional, historic style. Restoration of other parts of the mosque structure is still in progress.”

According to statistics, there are more than 870 historical sites in Herat. Some of these are located in the city, while others are in districts and remote areas.

Abdul Qayum Waziri, a historical monuments expert, said: “The damage from the earthquake is still visible on mosques and historical sites in the districts. Restoration and reconstruction are urgently needed, and prompt attention must be given.”

The devastating earthquakes two years ago caused severe damage to the historic heritage of Herat.

Many of these cultural landmarks, including the minarets and towers of Qala-e-Ikhtiyaruddin remained at risk of collapse for months and were only held up by temporary protective reinforcements.