Afghanistan’s Ismaili scholar, Naser Khosrow’s tomb at risk of collapse

Badakhshan, Afghanistan — The tomb of Naser Khosrow (also spelled Nasir Khusraw) Balkhi, a prominent historical site in the Yamgan district of Badakhshan, is facing imminent danger of collapse. Local residents report that there has been no intervention from relevant authorities to restore this significant cultural heritage site, Tolonews reported.

Naser Khosrow Balkhi, a renowned Ismaili scholar, poet, and writer from Afghanistan, lived between the 11th and 12th centuries. His tomb, which is over 400 years old, is situated on rocky hills that have been increasingly susceptible to erosion and other natural factors, leading to structural instability.

Imam Mohammad, a resident of Badakhshan, highlighted the cultural and scholarly importance of Naser Khosrow. He stated to Tolonews, “Verses from the Quran are inscribed on the ceiling and walls here. Naser Khosrow was a very knowledgeable and wise person. People from various places come here to visit.”

Najibullah, another local, expressed regret over the current state of the tomb: “Naser Khosrow’s tomb is now just a ruin. We, the people of Yamgan, have failed to protect this precious heritage,” he told Tolonews.

The tomb’s columns, beams, and interior are beautifully carved and decorated with various colors and Quranic verses. The local community has repeatedly called on the interim government to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

Sayed Abbas, a resident of Badakhshan, appealed to the authorities through Tolonews: “Our request to the government is to prevent the destruction of this historical monument.” Another local, Mohammad Tahir, added, “It needs to be restored, and its doors and rooms need to be repaired.”

In response, the head of Badakhshan’s Information and Culture Department, Zabihullah Amiri, announced to Tolonews that discussions have been held with the Ministry of Information and Culture. He assured that restoration work would commence soon. “We have spoken with various institutions and the Ministry of Information and Culture, and God willing, the restoration of this historical tomb will start this year,” Amiri stated.

Naser Khosrow was born in 1005 AD in Balkh, Afghanistan. He served at the courts of the Ghaznavid and later the Seljuk rulers before retreating to Yamgan in Badakhshan, where he spent the last 25 years of his life in seclusion. He made significant contributions to philosophy, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. Some of his notable works include “Vajae Teen”, “Safarnama” (Travelogue), “Jami’ al-Hikmatayn,” “Zad al-Musafirin,” “Rawshana’i-Nama,” “Sa’adatnama,” and “Dalil al-Mutaḥerrin.”

Despite his profound influence and legacy, the preservation of Naser Khosrow’s tomb remains neglected. The local community continues to urge for the protection and restoration of this invaluable piece of cultural heritage to honor the memory and contributions of one of Afghanistan’s most revered scholars.

Naser Khosrow Balkhi (1004–1088) was a Persian poet, philosopher, Ismaili scholar, and traveler. He is most famous for his travelogue “Safarnama,” which provides a detailed account of his seven-year journey through the Islamic world, including his pilgrimage to Mecca. His works are a significant part of Persian literature and Islamic philosophy. He spent the latter part of his life in the mountainous region of Badakhshan, where his tomb is located today.

Approximately 2 million Ismailis, who are primarily followers of Naser Khosrow, live in Afghanistan. Many other followers reside in Northern Pakistan, including Hunza and Gilgit, as well as in Tajikistan and some parts of China. While Naser Khosrow’s teachings are central to these communities, the Ismailis follow the hereditary Imamat line. Their current Imam and global leader is Prince Karim Aga Khan.

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