Afghanistan has a rich and lengthy history, having seen various empires and civilizations come and go over time. Furthermore, Afghanistan boasts numerous significant historic landmarks.
The Herat Citadel, commonly referred to as Qala Ikhtyaruddin, dates back to 330 BCE when Alexander the Great’s army arrived after winning the Battle of Gaugamela and established their base there. Since then, many empires have used it as their headquarters.
Herat Citadel
Herat Citadel (Qala Ikhtiaruddin) is an iconic structure within Herat and an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and one of the country’s largest castles. Over its long existence it has endured territorial battles between Persians, Uzbeks and Afghans as well as devastating civil warfare effects – functioning simultaneously as fort, palace and prison.
Built on the site of an original fortress which some historians believe Alexander the Great constructed, this castle features 18 towers, an extensive moat and walls which are 2m thick.
Herat was rebuilt during the Kart dynasty (1245-1389 CE). Subsequently, Herat emerged as one of the key centers for politics and culture in its region under Timur Khan (Tamerlane; 1380-1405), who fortified and rebuilt both its citadel and walled market; additionally he commissioned legendary miniaturist Behzad to curate an extensive art and book collection which became famous around the globe.
Now the Herat Museum stands proud in this space; hundreds of Afghan craftsmen have restored its ruins, providing local workers with employment opportunities.
Bagh-e-Babur
Bagh-e Babur, located in Kabul’s heart, is one of the oldest remaining Mughal gardens. Established by Babur – founder of the Mughal dynasty – upon an earlier monumental building dating back to 3rd century BC, its design began here and features at least 10 gardens designed and constructed by him personally during his stay here, even though his wish had originally been to bury him elsewhere (India). After his death in 1530 he was laid to rest here as per Badshahnama which mentions extensive enhancements made by Shah Jahan including adding marble mosque and water channels on central axis terraces.
The present garden, covering 11 hectares and designed in classical charbagh style, covers an area of 11 hectares and features four quartered rising terraces divided by a central water channel. Partially destroyed during Kabul’s turbulent 1990s years due to political unrest, this garden has since been rebuilt following plans drawn up by Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Shahr-e-Zahak
Visit not only the UNESCO-listed Buddhas of Bamyan in this province but also Shahr-e Zahak cliffside town on its northern tip for some incredible ruins to see! Shahr-e Zahak was home to Samanid Empire; their twin cliff-top towers were destroyed by Genghis Khan after defeat of Hephthalite army by Genghis Khan.
Archaeological excavations at this national park site have unearthed much of its past, which include its role as a major trade hub during classical periods, linking it with Achaemenid Persians, Xiongnu peoples and Alexander the Great himself.
Shahr-e-Zahak is a popular tourist destination, but Afghanistan remains unstable and requires extra precaution when visiting. The best way to visit is with a tour guide – either hire one at the Bamyan bazaar or ask your guesthouse to arrange it for you – but be wary that parts of Shahr-e-Zahak were once landmined, meaning some unexploded mines may still exist here.
Minaret of Jam
This 65-meter minaret stands alone in a deep river valley and is one of the best-preserved monuments from Ghurid dynasty. Built by Sultan Ghiyath al-Din to commemorate his conquest of Ghazna, its construction dates back to 1173; unlike most minarets it may have served as a victory tower instead.
UNESCO recognized its significance in 1982, placing the monument on their World Heritage in Danger list in 2002. Erosion, water infiltration and flooding pose threats to its preservation; additionally it could become vulnerable to looters.
Professor Woodberry became intrigued with a report published about a minaret, prompting him to visit Afghanistan himself and examine it first-hand. To accompany him on his expedition were two expatriates working at schools in Kabul who agreed to travel there together with him despite potential danger. Their research is still uncovering more information about its significance and purpose today.
