Overview:

Qala-i-Jangi Fortress, or the "Fortress of War," is a large fort located in the Dombay area of Afghanistan's Balkh Province. Built by Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, in 1536, it is one of the largest forts in Afghanistan, and has served as a military garrison, prison, and palace for centuries. The fortress is most widely known as the site of a bloody battle between Taliban forces and American and Northern Alliance troops in late 2001, during the United States' military campaign in Afghanistan. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. This large compound is located in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. 2. Constructed in 1870 by Abdur Rahman Khan, it served as a military fortification and palace. 3. It was largely abandoned following the fall of the kingdom of Afghanistan in 1929. 4. In November 2001, the Qala-i-Jangi Fortress was the site of a battle between Taliban prisoners and U.S. and Northern Alliance forces. 5. It was also the location of a large prison where thousands of Taliban prisoners of war were kept. 6. Qala-i-Jangi Fortress is now run by the Afghan National Army. 7. Tourists can visit the fortress and its grounds to get a glimpse of its history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Qala-i-Jangi is a fortress located in the northern Afghan province of Balkh, north of Mazar-i-Sharif. It began as an ancient fort, possibly built by Alexander the Great, which was eventually used by the British and Russians for military purposes. During the Afghan Civil War, it was a stronghold for the anti-government Mujahideen and from 1996, it was used by the Taliban forces until they were dislodged by the Northern Alliance in 2001. During the early days of the US intervention in Afghanistan, the fortress was the scene of intense fighting between US Army special forces and Taliban prisoners. This episode was known as the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi, and is now remembered for the death of CIA paramilitary officer Mike Spann, who is said to have been the first American to die in the war against the Taliban. After the battle, the fortress became a military base for Afghan and US troops. Today, the fortress has been restored to its original form and is open to the public as a historical site. It is also the home of the International Security Assistance Force Regional Command North headquarters. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Qala-i-Jangi Fortress was originally built in 1863 by Amir Abdur Rahman Khan. 2. In November 2001, the fortified compound served as a hideout for hundreds of Taliban fighters who fought a fierce battle against Northern Alliance forces and US Special Services personnel. 3. During the battle, "American John," a Central Intelligence Agency Officer working undercover as a journalistic translator, was killed. He was the first American killed in the War on Terror. 4. The fortressed complex was the scene of the last great battle fought by al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in Afghanistan, and were the site of a prison revolt which led to the infamous "Qala-i-Jangi Massacre." 5.The complex holds rich historical value to the country and is one of the few remaining structures that have remained intact since the 19th century. 6. The fortress is home to many local birds and animals, including hawks, vultures, falcons, and the rare snow leopard. 7. It has been designated as a historic site since 2000, and is protected by Afghan Law. 8. The complex is currently occupied by the Afghan National Army and is off-limits to civilians. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era