Herat Complex

Herat, Afghanistan

The Timurid architectural legacy of Herat, including the Friday Mosque, the minarets of the Musallah complex, and the Citadel of Herat — remains of what was the cultural capital of the late Timurid world.

Historical Context

Herat was the capital of the last great Timurid state. Its court patronized miniature painting, poetry, music, and architecture to an extraordinary degree. The Musallah complex, built by Queen Gawhar Shad, was one of the most magnificent architectural ensembles in the Islamic world before most of it was destroyed.