A number of residents from Balkh province, as well as tourists, are urging authorities to pay serious attention to the preservation and maintenance of the shrine attributed to Imam Ali in this province.
They state that parts of the exterior of this historic site have collapsed, and without restoration, there is a risk of further collapse.
The Shrine of Imam Ali, located in the heart of Mazar-e-Sharif, is one of the country’s important historical sites. The current structure of this shrine was built in the 9th century AH during the Timurid era in Herat and the reign of Sultan Husayn Bayqara.
Najibullah, one of the visitors, said: “This place is in danger of destruction. Some parts are broken and have collapsed, and it needs to be repaired. This is the cultural heritage and identity of Afghans.”
Another visitor, Zainullah, also said: “The blessed shrine is one of the most beautiful and historical places in Mazar-e-Sharif. Many people from different provinces and even foreign tourists come to see this place, but parts of it are damaged and have been neglected.”
Taj Muhammad, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, said: “The blessed shrine needs urgent restoration. In the past, many tourists came to see this place, and now it is in dire need of repairs.”
Hundreds of citizens and foreign tourists visit this site annually.
Hashmatullah, a visitor, said: “The blessed shrine must be restored to prevent it from deteriorating in the coming years. We are worried that if this place is neglected, it will gradually fall into ruin.”
Zabihullah, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, said: “The tiles of this place are falling apart, and no restoration has been done. The people of Balkh and Afghanistan request the Islamic Emirate to give special attention to this place.”
The Balkh Department of Information and Culture says it has raised this issue with the Ministry of Information and Culture.
Zabihullah Aryaei, the Head of Art and Culture at the Balkh Department of Information and Culture, said: “The restoration and repair work of this historic building was previously carried out by the National Development Company, which is currently halted. We have shared this issue with the honorable Ministry of Information and Culture, and we hope the necessary actions will be taken to preserve and restore this valuable historic building.”
Balkh province, located in northern Afghanistan, is considered one of the country’s most important historical cities. In addition to the shrine attributed to Hazrat Ali, there are hundreds of other historic monuments and shrines in this province that are known around the world.
Officials in Balkh said that they have begun a campaign to round up beggars in Mazar-e-Sharif city and other parts of the northern province.
The officials said that the beggars will be provided with 2,000 Afs per month after the completion of the process.
“If they are really poor and vulnerable, we will provide them with 2,000 Afs per month,” said Noor-ul-Huda Abu Idris, the deputy governor of Balkh.
“There could be some fake beggars and there could be real beggars. This will be distinguished in the future because this commission is formed for this purpose,” said Faizullah Faizi, head of the commission to round up beggars.
Some beggars in Mazar-e-Sharif City expressed happiness over the campaign and said they need assistance.
“It has been 15 years that I am begging for a loaf of bread. If the government and international organizations provide me something, I would not do it anymore,” said Ghafar, a beggar.
“I cannot purchase even one kilogram of oil. If they help me, I would be happy,” said Shah Gul, a beggar. Mazar-e-Sharif residents meanwhile said that collecting beggars can help with the security and discipline in the city.
“This is a good step to round up the beggars. They should be provided with a salary. If this happens, they will live in prosperity and the city will also be disciplined,” said Mohammad Haroon, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif.
The process to round up beggars across Afghanistan has been conducted in many provinces of the country, including the capital city, Kabul.—Tolonews
