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The Herat Central Blue Mosque, also known as the Friday Mosque of Herat, is a stunning example of Islamic architecture located in the city of Herat, Afghanistan. The mosque was built in the 12th century during the Ghurid dynasty and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries.

The mosque is renowned for its intricate tilework, which features a combination of geometric and floral designs in shades of blue, turquoise, and white. The tiles are arranged in intricate patterns on the mosque's domes, minarets, and facades, creating a breathtaking display of Islamic artistry.

The Herat Central Blue Mosque features a large central courtyard surrounded by arched porticoes, which lead to the main prayer hall. The prayer hall is a large, rectangular space with a central nave and several smaller side chapels. The mosque's mihrab, or prayer niche, is elaborately decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy, and is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic art in the region.

The mosque's minarets, which are over 55 meters tall, are also adorned with intricate tilework and are a prominent feature of the Herat skyline. Visitors to the mosque can climb to the top of the minarets for stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Herat Central Blue Mosque

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built during the 15th century and is considered one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world.

The site is located on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley and was abandoned after the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century. It was not rediscovered until 1911, when American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it while searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba.

Machu Picchu is divided into two main sections: the agricultural and urban sectors. The agricultural sector is made up of terraced fields and irrigation canals that were used to grow crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa. The urban sector is made up of temples, palaces, and houses that were built from large stone blocks that were carved to fit together perfectly without the use of mortar.

Some of the most notable structures at Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana stone, which is believed to have served as a solar clock or calendar.

Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is visited by millions of tourists every year. Its remote location and the mystery surrounding its purpose and abandonment have made it a fascinating and enduring symbol of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu

Band-e-Amir National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in the Bamyan Province of central Afghanistan. The park covers an area of approximately 750 square kilometers and is named after the series of six deep blue lakes, or "Bands," that are the park's main attraction.

The lakes of Band-e-Amir are situated in a series of natural limestone dams that were formed over thousands of years by the flow of water through the surrounding mountains. The lakes are known for their incredibly clear, turquoise-blue water, which is a result of the high mineral content in the water. The largest of the lakes, Band-e-Haibat, is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, and has a depth of up to 150 meters.

In addition to the lakes, the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including ibex, wolves, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The park's rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty make it a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Band-e-Amir was declared Afghanistan's first national park in 2009, and has since become an important symbol of the country's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. The park is managed by the Afghan government, with support from a variety of international conservation organizations.