mazar-i-sharif: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Geographical)Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “mazar-i-sharif” mean?
A major city in northern Afghanistan, known for its iconic Blue Mosque and as an important cultural and economic hub.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major city in northern Afghanistan, known for its iconic Blue Mosque and as an important cultural and economic hub.
Often refers to the city itself, its famous shrine (the Blue Mosque, or the Shrine of Hazrat Ali), and the surrounding region. It can also symbolize Afghan cultural and religious heritage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling often appears with hyphens (Mazar-i-Sharif) in both varieties, though 'Mazar-e Sharif' is also common.
Connotations
In both contexts, it typically connotes Afghan geography, news reports on Afghanistan, religious pilgrimage, and regional politics.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in geopolitical, travel, or religious discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “mazar-i-sharif” in a Sentence
The [event/news] from Mazar-i-SharifPilgrims flock to Mazar-i-SharifThe city of Mazar-i-Sharif is located...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mazar-i-sharif” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mazar-i-Sharif region is known for its agriculture.
American English
- Mazar-i-Sharif politics are complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Mentioned in reports on regional trade corridors and Afghan economic activity.
Academic
Studied in contexts of Central Asian history, Islamic architecture, and geopolitics.
Everyday
Rarely used outside specific discussions about Afghanistan.
Technical
Used in geographical, military, and humanitarian reporting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mazar-i-sharif”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mazar-i-sharif”
- Misspelling as 'Mazari Sharif', 'Mazar-e-Sharif' (hyphenation varies).
- Mispronouncing 'i' as a long 'i' (eye) instead of a short 'i' or 'e' sound.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It translates from Persian/Arabic as 'Tomb of the Exalted' or 'Noble Tomb', referring to the shrine believed by many to house the tomb of Ali, the fourth caliph.
No, the capital of Afghanistan is Kabul. Mazar-i-Sharif is the capital of Balkh Province and a major city in the north.
It is a major economic centre, a hub for trade with Central Asia, and one of Afghanistan's most important religious and cultural sites due to the Blue Mosque.
It is sometimes informally abbreviated to 'Mazar' in news reports, though this can be ambiguous as 'mazar' is a general word for 'tomb' in the region.
A major city in northern Afghanistan, known for its iconic Blue Mosque and as an important cultural and economic hub.
Mazar-i-sharif is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Mazar-i-sharif: in British English it is pronounced /məˌzɑːr ɪ ʃəˈriːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌzɑr i ʃəˈrif/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MAZe of Ali's Shrine is Really Important For' Afghanistan. 'Mazar' sounds like 'maze', but it's a specific place.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEACON OF FAITH (its famous shrine is a pilgrimage site). A GATEWAY TO CENTRAL ASIA (due to its strategic location).
Practice
Quiz
What is Mazar-i-Sharif best known for?