Overview:

The Old City of Heart in Afghanistan is the oldest part of the city of Herat, located in the western part of the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ancient cities in Afghanistan. The Old City was founded around 3rd century BC and flourished during the medieval era. During this time, it was a major trade center and cultural hub of the region. The famous minarets, domed mosques, and caravanserais that still dominate the skyline of the Old City date from this period. Today, the Old City is known for its beautifully preserved mud-brick architecture, linking it to the former glory of the old city of Herat. Visitors to the Old City can wander through the narrow alleyways lined with stores selling traditional and contemporary goods, marvel at the elegant architectural fragments of Herat’s glorious past. The city’s vibrant craftsmanship, including traditional blue ceramics and embroidery, as well as the city’s great mosque, add to the Old City’s charm. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

- The 11th-century Ghazni Minaret: This tower, built in 1030, is the only surviving structure of the Sultan of Ghazni. Rising details include Quran inscriptions, spiral brickwork around the doorway and half-octagonal shape. - The 18th-century Shrine of Sayed Bahauddin: This shrine has been surrounded by tall walls and a defensive tower. Inside, there are several tombs decorated with intricate green tile. -11th-century old city walls: These complex defensive walls prove that Ghazni was a cultural and strategic crossroads. - The famous Malala House: This building, made in 1745 by Mongol invader Babur Shah, is known as the oldest Mughal-built structure in the city. It sometimes serves as an outdoor cinema. - Museum of Afghan History: This museum contains valuable art and pre-Islamic artifacts, which tell the story of Ghazni’s past. - The Old Shora Bazaar: This traditional market is filled with shops, stalls, and even open-air stalls, selling a range of items including spices, clothing, and homemade Afghan crafts. The surrounding area is also dotted with historic buildings. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Old City of Heart is located in the northern part of Afghanistan, in what is now known as the Herat Province. The city has been a major urban center since ancient times and was the capital of the Afghan Kingdom of the Ghaznavids until 1202. It was then taken over by the Seljuk Empire and became an important administrative center. Throughout its long history, the Old City of Heart has served as a gateway to the east, as it was an important trading link between the Persian and Indian subcontinent. The city played an important role in the religious history of Afghanistan, as it was the birthplace of the revered Sufi poet and scholar, Mohammed Ismail. He is most well-known for constructing the mausoleum of Sheikh Ali-ul-Morteza located in the city's Jami mosque. This site has become a major pilgrimage site for Muslims from around the world, who travel to the city to pay their respects to the guru. The Old City of Heart also became a cultural and educational hub after the establishment of Herat University in 1962. This university faculty and staff brought together students from all over Afghanistan and encouraged a broad-based exchange of ideas and collaboration among students of various religious, ethnic and political backgrounds. Today, the Old City of Heart is a bustling and vibrant commercial center. New military and government offices have been set up, with modern media, telecommunications, and transportation providing the infrastructure for development of the city and its people. Although the Old City of Heart still preserves much of its historic charm, as it continues to expand and modernize. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Old City of Heart in Afghanistan is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It is believed that the city was founded by the Alchon Huns in the 1st century BCE. 2. The Old City of Heart was an integral part of the Silk Road and served as an important economic center for many centuries. Its strategic location allowed it to be a gateway between Central Asia and the Middle East. 3. The city was a major center of Islamic learning and culture. It was home to religious schools and one of the oldest mosques in the region, built in the 10th century. 4. During the 13th century, the city fell under Mongol rule and the city was later sacked in 1221. 5. In the 16th century, the city was felt by Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. 6. The city saw its heyday during the 18th and 19th centuries when it was home to a flourishing trade and cultural center. 7. Heart is famous for its incredible crafts and art. It is home to some of the finest embroidery in the world. The city has a unique tradition of carpet-weaving and other crafts that have been passed down through generations. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era