Overview:

: Shahr-e Zohak, Balkh In Afghanistan is an ancient city located in northern Afghanistan, in the Balkh province. This city is best known for its ruins that are believed to date back to as early as the 4th century BC. Once a bustling metropolis with a major road running through the city province, today Shahr-e Zohak is a prominent archaeological site that is studied by local scholars and archaeologists from around the world. Many remains of ancient buildings and tombs have been found in this area, as well as a number of artifacts from Persian, Greek, and Roman periods. In addition to the ruins, the city also has some interesting historical sites to see such as the remains of an ancient city wall, a water channel and reservoir, and the remains of a citadel. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Shahr-e Zohak: A fortress atop a hill located in Balkh, northern Afghanistan. 2. Remarkable structure of two tall towers connected with thick walls. 3. Ancient residential areas, temples and underground cells around the fortress. 4. A double rampart wall surrounds the city and encourages trade. 5. Authentic mud-brick houses scattered across the city. 6. A wide range of archaeological artifacts from Bronze and Iron Ages were discovered at the site. 7. A breathtaking view of the Hindu Kush Mountains and the city of Balkh from the fortress. 8. For centuries, Shahr-e Zohak has provided safety for the local inhabitants. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Shahr-e Zohak, otherwise known as "the red city," is an ancient citadel located in the Balkh province of northern Afghanistan, about 7 miles from the provincial capital of Mazar-e Sharif. Shahr-e Zohak is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century CE during the Sassanid Empire, although its exact age and origin are uncertain. The site has been archaeological excavations from the 8th century, when the site became the capital of the Zohak dynasty of Turko-Mongol rulers. It is believed that the site was once a significant Silk Road point located along the Ghorband Valley. In 1339, the site was sacked by Timur Lenk and was almost completely destroyed. It later became a part of the Durrani Empire in 1747 and briefly served as the capital of the Emirate of Balch. The city was declared a national archaeological site in the 1970s and was preserved as part of the national heritage. Among the notable monuments discovered at the site are several religious and residential structures. The ruins of a massive palace known as 'Tal Shahnama' are believed to have been built by the Zohak dynasty. There are also traces of an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple which is believed to date back to the 5th century CE. Today, the main attraction within the ruins of Shahr-e Zohak is a large stupa known as the 'Throne of Tahmasp'. It is said to mark the site of the ancient king's throne and has been heavily restored. The ruins of the of the citadel, along with the other archaeological artifacts, are a point of pride to the local people of Balkh and an important site for Afghan archaeology. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Shahr-i Zohak, or Red City, is an archaeological site located in Balkh Province, Afghanistan. The site includes the ruins of an enormous round brick citadel, or kushak. 2. Shahr-i Zohak is believed to have been built by the Saffarid dynasty in the 9th century CE or possibly even earlier. 3. The site has been identified by several researchers as the legendary Kabul of Zoroaster and the home of the legendary hero, Rustam. 4. The citadel, or kushak, was built on an area of 15 to 17 hectares and is surrounded by a wall nearly 5 meters thick and slightly more than 8 meters high. 5. The fortifications at the site consist of two concentric circles of fortification walls. The inner circle is about 8 meters thick, while the outer wall is about 2.5 meters thick. 6. The area of the outer circle is larger than the inner one. Inside the outer wall, there are several small buildings, including a palace, barracks, stables, and other structures. 7. The palace is located in the center of the compound and is believed to have been used by the Saffarid dynasty as its summer residence. 8. The ruins of Shahr-i Zohak are a major tourist attraction and are popularly known as the Red Fort of Balkh. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era