Overview:

Old City of Kabul (also known as the historic city of Kabul) is an ancient city located in the capital city of Kabul, Afghanistan. Situated at the confluence of the Kabul River and the Panjshir River in the eastern part of the country, it serves as the administrative center of the province of Kabul. Approximately 300,000 people live in Old City of Kabul and its culture and traditions date back several centuries. This old city is full of old and traditional buildings such as madrassas, shrines, and fortresses. It has fine examples of Islamic architecture, such as the famous Masjid Sultan Mosque which was built during the 16th century, as well as modern structures. The city is also home to many important historical landmarks. Besides offering numerous historical attractions, Old City of Kabul offers great shopping opportunities. There are multiple markets and bazaars, where one can buy traditional Afghan goods such as carpets, jewelry, spices, and handicrafts. In addition, there are many vibrant restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the city. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Lions of Zorawar: This set of six lions has been protecting the entrance of Kabul's Old City for centuries. They were made in 1698 during the reign of Emperor Zorawar Singh of the Sutlej region. 2. Kabul Museum: One of the oldest museums in the region, the Kabul Museum displays artifacts from around the country. Some of the highlights include a goldcup, a shalwar being worn by a turbaned figure and a magical stone believed to bring luck to a person. 3. Blue Mosque: Said to be the oldest mosque in Kabul, the Blue Mosque was built in the early 16th century and reflects a brilliant blue-and-white ceramic design. 4. Shahdoara: This is the former palace of King Abdul Aziz Khan, who built the traditional architecture to resemble a medieval castle. 5. Kabul Old Bazaar: For centuries, the Kabul Old Bazaar has been a popular spot to buy and sell a variety of products, from dried fruits and spices to fabrics and traditional crafts. 6. Qala-e-Katul: One of the oldest structures in Kabul, this fort has been standing since the 12th century and serves as a reminder of Afghanistan's rich history. 7. Darul Aman Palace: Originally built by King Amanullah Khan in the 1920s, Darul Aman Palace is now home to Afghanistan’s Parliament as well as the former Parliament building. It is a popular tourist attraction with a huge waterfall in the courtyard. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

The Old City of Kabul is an ancient part of the capital of Afghanistan, founded by King Ozmian VI in 1776. Located in the southeast of the modern city center, it covers an area of approximately two square kilometers. The original layout of the city revolves around the now ruined Ashokan stupas, which date back to the period of Ashoka’s rule in the 3rd century BCE. Originally, the Old City was part of the Greater Kabul metropolitan region and was surrounded by walls, which were destroyed in the Second Anglo-Afghan War. During the same period, many historic structures in the city were destroyed and looted by British forces. Throughout the 20th century, the Old City underwent several periods of rebuilding and development. During the 1970s, it was significantly expanded in the wake of the Soviet-Afghan War, with the government building numerous streets and squares to facilitate the flow of traffic and commerce. Following the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, a major reconstruction of the Old City began in order to restore its former architectural glory. The effort has largely focused on preserving the architecture of the area, while also modernizing the infrastructure of the city. This has led to multiple public and private sector developments, such as the building of luxury hotels and the reconstruction of historical monuments. Although the Old City remains a hotspot for tourism, many residents still call it home and have become part of its vibrant culture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The old city of Kabul in Afghanistan is marked by the remains of its 2,000 years of history. 2. Kabul is a city with many layers and this can be seen in its old city, which includes a breathtaking mix of Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture. 3. An impressive complex of 24th century architecture, the citadel of Kabul was situated on a hilltop and its different sections were connected by walkways. 4. Strategically located on a flat plain in a fertile valley, Kabul was the capital of several empires which led to cross-cultural exchanges in various fields. 5. Kabul’s old city is home to spectacular edifices like the famed and iconic mausoleums which are recognized as masterpieces of Islamic Architecture. 6. During the 18th century, Kabul was home to a thriving court of literary arts which included poets, musicians, and painters. 7. The old city of Kabul also served as the site of Afghanistan’s first film studio in the early 1900s, which produced the country’s first motion pictures. 8. The old city of Kabul is also notable for its unique bazaars, with hundreds of stores selling a variety of wares. 9. In the old city of Kabul, one can still find local bakeries using traditional cooking methods to produce bread and cakes. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era