The “Shash Darak” or “Askari Mosque” is a significant historical mosque located in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Situated in the second district of Kabul city, this mosque holds cultural and historical importance, serving as a place of worship and prayer for residents of the community.
The reconstruction of the Shash Darak Mosque was initiated by the Aga Khan Cultural Services - Afghanistan on August 8, 2022, and entailed the installation of fencing around the mosque area, covering 104 square meters. This measure aimed to prevent unauthorized access to the site during project activities. This was followed by the cleaning of the mosque’s courtyard, covering an area of 3080 square meters, from waste and accumulated debris. Restoration works included the repair of the iron-sheet roof of the mosque. In total 160 square meters of iron sheet was renovated. Moreover, flooring works were carried out on sections of the stairs leading to the 2nd floor of the mosque, brick flooring for both 1st and 2nd floors of the mosque were carried out. Pointing of all brick walls and stone foundation of the complex was completed. Skilled workers removed existing plaster from both the interior and exterior walls (covering 200 square meters) and new plaster was applied in its place. Wooden works included the cleaning and repair of existing historic windows and doors.
Restoration works were concluded by plastering of the compound’s surrounding walls. In March 2023, the site was handed over to the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the custodian of the site.