Pul-e Khishti Mosque

The Pul-e Khishti Mosque is the largest mosque in Kabul and a defining feature of the Old City skyline. It stands on Pul-e Khishti Road in the district that takes its name from the brick bridge (pul-e khishti) that once crossed the river nearby. The mosque was built in the eighteenth century and later extended, and its great green domes and slender minarets are visible from many of the surrounding markets and rooftops. The building serves as one of the main places in the city for Friday prayers, when large crowds fill the courtyard and the surrounding streets; at other times it is much calmer, with worshippers coming and going and the courtyard providing a shaded pause from the bazaar. Inside, the prayer hall is spacious, with arches, painted decoration and carpeted floors, and visitors who are admitted are expected to remove shoes, dress modestly and keep voices low. Non-Muslim visitors should request permission before entering and avoid prayer times, which are the periods when the mosque is closed to visitors. A visit usually takes around 30 minutes, covering the exterior, the courtyard and a brief look inside if allowed. Late morning outside prayer times is the best moment, offering softer crowds and good light on the domes. Entry is free. The mosque is a five-to-ten-minute walk from Mandawi Bazaar, so it fits naturally into a day exploring the Old City, together with the Mausoleum of Timur Shah and the Ka Faroshi bird market. Photographers should be respectful, avoid pointing cameras at worshippers and ask first when in doubt.