Overview:

The Old City of Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Afghanistan's Balkh Province. It is home to many cultural and historical attractions, including a citadel, large mosques, schools, and a variety of Souqs (marketplaces). The city is known for its strong Sufi influences, reflected in its highly tolerant society and its multiple Sufi shrines. The Old City is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, and its blue-tiled mosaics are renowned for their beauty. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Blue Mosque: The iconic Blue Mosque is the main attraction in Mazar-i-Sharif. It is one of the most celebrated landmarks in the region, and is a beautiful sight to behold. The mosque features a unique blue tiled dome and turquoise minarets. 2. Balkh Province Museum: This museum houses important artifacts from the ancient city of Balkh, which was the old capital of the region. There are many artifacts related to the historic city, including coins and pottery. 3. Citadel of Shaibani Khan: This is an impressive fort that was built by the Shaibani Khan, a powerful 19th century warlord. The fort is located close to the city and it offers great views of the whole city. 4. The Grand Bazaar: This is one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in all of Afghanistan. You can find all kinds of goods here, including carpets, handicrafts, traditional clothing, and food. 5. Shrine of Hussein ibn Ali: This revered shrine is located just outside the city and is a popular pilgrimage destination. It is dedicated to Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Mazar-i-Sharif, an ancient walled city in northern Afghanistan, has been an important settlement and trading post since the middle of the first millennium BC. Mazar-i-Sharif has been a seat of power in the region from its founding as a Buddhist city in the 7th century CE up through more modern times; over the centuries, it has been ruled by Sassanians, Mongols, Timurids, Mughals, Nadir Shah Afshar, and the Taliban. The city was ostensibly founded in 630 CE by the Arabian caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab, making it the fourth Islamic holy city and an important site of Sunni worship in the country. It is believed that the city was named after a shrine that honors Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam and the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. It is also believed the city was an important Safavid dynasty outpost in the 17th century and was used as a retreat and stronghold for Afghan King Nadir Shah Afshar during his reign from 1736-1747. Mazar-i-Sharif is known for its grand Blue Mosque, its many colorful bazaars, and the relic of Ali. The city also served as a major hub for trade and communication between Afghanistan and the rest of Central Asia and the world. The Trans-Caspian Railway connected Mazar-i-Sharif to the world beyond Afghanistan, and in the past few years the city has received electric, cellular, and satellite connections, adding to its vibrant economy. Despite centuries of change, remains a vibrant and powerful city in Afghanistan. In more recent years, the city has received worldwide attention for its role in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations and for its substantial contributions to the fight against the Taliban insurgency. The city is also home to a prominent shrine built in honor of the revered Shi'a leader Ali ibn Abi Talib. Today, Mazar-i-Sharif is a diverse and thriving urban center, though it has yet to fully recover from decades of war and instability. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Mazar-i-Sharif is one of Afghanistan’s major cities and is located in the northern part of the country. 2. Its name means “Noble Shrine” because it is believed to be the resting place of Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed. 3. The city is home to the famous Blue Mosque, the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, as well as a tombs of several notable Afghan figures. 4. Despite the ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan, Mazar-i-Sharif remains a safe, thriving city. 5. Mazar-i-Sharif is connected to Uzbekistan via railway lines through the Silk Road. 6. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Mazar-i-Sharif was the scene of some of the first conflicts between Soviet forces and Afghan mujahideen. 7. It is a major center of trade, education, and industry, and is known for its delicious sweets and pastries. 8. Mazar-i-Sharif is home to many minorities including Uzbeks, Tajiks, and Turkmens. 9. It ranks first in Afghanistan in terms of infrastructure quality and access to resources. 10. The city is an important economic and political hub and is home to many Afghan ministries and provincial departments. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era