Travel Guide to Afghanistan
Afghanistan's history as a country spans little more than two centuries. However, before this the region was part of many great empires. It is in Afghanistan that Zoroastrianism began in the 6th century BC and later Buddhism spread from India. The eastward sweep of Islam reached Afghanistan in the 7th century and to this day Afghanistan remains a conservative Muslim country.
Friendly, beautiful Afghanistan was once well known as the place to stop for unparalleled hospitality, fantastic food and great hiking. More than 20 years of war have had their impact; however, and the country is now struggling on the road to become again what it once was. Women are allowed to work again and many venture outside without their burqas. People are able to dance to music again and many of the fine monuments and minarets are being rebuilt.
Kabul
Kabul has been the capital of Afghanistan since 1776. Once it was a fast growing city ringed with mountains and was a place of convergence for the many tourists who were journeying overland from Europe to Asia. Though most of the attractions in Kabul city have been destroyed due to heavy bombardment, there still remains the Bala Hisar Palace, the Arg (Citadel), the Mausoleum of Amir Abdur Rahman and the various mosques such as Masjid-e-Pule Kheshti, Masjid-e-Shahe Du Shamshira, Masjid-e-Sherpur (Blue Mosque) andMasjid-e-Wazir Akbar Khan – all places to be visited for their unique architecture. The life of the Afghans can be observed in various teahouses, restaurants and shops located on Chicken Street. back to top
Balkh
Balkh was the capital of the Greek Bactrian kingdom and Alexander’s headquarters for his Central Asian campaign. Archaeologists have been searching for Greek remains since the 1920s, but with no success. But now local treasure hunters have uncovered an undoubtedly Greek building. Further work will be necessary to establish its exact datebut indications are that it is very early. It seems that the first archaeological site anywhere in the world that can be linked with Alexander during his life has been discovered and it is therefore hard to overestimate the importance of this discovery.
But Balkh was an established city when Alexander arrived here. It was known even then as ‘the mother of cities’. The ruins have never been properly excavated and much remains to be discovered under Tamerlane’s city. back to top
Bamiyan: The ruined Buddhas are the main reason that most people visit Bamiyan. Created in the 6th century, they were once the largest in the world and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Over the centuries they were slowly damaged by various invaders, and in 2001 the Taliban declared them 'un-Islamic', rolled in tanks and destroyed them completely. All that remains are the 'footprints'. The area around the Buddhas and to the west is interesting to walk around (stay on well-used paths). Many of the buildings were destroyed in war and there are occasional leftover weapons and destroyed jeeps, one of which is now used as a bridge over a stream. Shahr-i- Gholghola is a fort high above the town that gives some of the best views of the entire valley.
Mazar-i-Sharif: Mazar-i-Sharif is located in northern Afghanistan, close to the old city of Balkh. The name of the city means something like "Tomb of The Chosen One". The main sight in town is the great Blue Mosque, Tomb Of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Genghis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during the rebuilding work in 1480s.is located in northern Afghanistan, close to the old city of Balkh. The name of the city means something like "Tomb of The Chosen One". The main sight in town is the great Blue Mosque, Tomb Of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. The tomb was covered with earth to escape the ravage of Genghis Khan in 1220 and remained lost until it was uncovered during the rebuilding work in 1480s.
The Band-i-Amir: The Band-i-Amir lakes mean the "dams of the king." These five natural lakes have been formed through the ages as minerals from the spring-fed water are deposited at the outlet of the lakes to form massive natural dams that have elevated the water level of the lakes. Each of the lakes is of a different hue of blue, creating a dramatic contrast to the barren red cliffs that surround the lakes. The most visited lake is Band-i-Haibat, which means, the lake of wonder. Its deep blue colour entices the visitor to swim. However, please note that the water is ice-cold, and the waterfalls are actually covered in icicled most of the year! Still a visit to the lakes is one of the highlights for most visitors to Afghanistan.
