Four Cities of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is located at the crossroads of Central Asia and it’s major cities reflect a deep and torrid history at the epicentre of the trade ,culture and war of competing empires.

Kabul: The capital and largest city of Afghanistan, Kabul has a rich history that dates back over 3,500 years. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Despite facing challenges due to conflict, Kabul is known for its vibrant markets, historical sites, and diverse population.

The modern-day city of Kabul is located high in a narrow valley in the Hindu Kushmountain range, and is bounded by the Kabul River. At an elevation of 1,790 metres (5,873 ft), it is one of the highest capital cities in the world.

Kabul is said to be over 3,500 years old, and was mentioned at the time of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Located at a crossroads in Asia—roughly halfway between Istanbul, Turkey, in the west and Hanoi, Vietnam, in the east—the city is situated in a strategic location along the trade routes of Central Asia and South Asia. It was a key destination on the ancient Silk Road and was traditionally seen as the meeting point between Tartary, India and Persia. Over the centuries Kabul has been under the rule of various dynasties and empires, including the Seleucids,Greeks, Timurids, Mongols and Persians.

Herat: Located in western Afghanistan, Herat is one of the country’s oldest cities and a cultural hub. It has a rich history influenced by various civilizations, including the Persian Empire and the Silk Road. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including the Herat Citadel and the Mosque of Friday.

Mazar-i-Sharif: Situated in northern Afghanistan, close to the borders with Uzbekistan and Tadjikistan Mazar-i-Sharif is known for its beautiful Blue Mosque (Shrine of Ali), which attracts many pilgrims. The city is also an important economic center and is famous for its agricultural produce and thriving bazaars.

Mazari Sharīf is the fourth largest city of Afghanistan, with population of 300,000. It is the capital of the Balkh province and is home to multi-ethnic groups such as Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks and Hazaras. It is linked by roads to Kabul in the southeast, Herat to the west and Uzbekistan to the north.

Mazari Sharif means “Noble Shrine” or “Tomb of the Exalted”, a reference to the large, blue-tiled sanctuary and mosque in the center of the city which is the Shrine of Ali or the Blue Mosque.

Kandahar: Located in southern Afghanistan, Kandahar is one of the country’s historical capitals .. It is known as the birthplace of the Taliban movement and is famous for its historical sites, including the tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan and the short lived Afgan Empire

Kandahar is one of the most culturally significant cities of the Pashtuns community and has been their traditional seat of power for more than 300 years. It is a major trading center for fresh and dried fruit, including food grains, sheep, wool, cotton, silk, and felt. The region produces fine fruits, especially pomegranates and grapes, and the city has plants for canning, drying, and packing fruits.
The region around Kandahar is one of the oldest known human settlements. A major fortified city existed at the site of Kandahar, probably as early as c. 1000–750 BC, and it became an important outpost of the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire in the 6th century BC.[ Alexander the Great had laid-out the foundation of what is now Old Kandahar (which is in the southern section of Kandahar city) in the 4th century BC

Destinations: Afghanistan