Overview:

Shahr-e-Zohak, also known as the "City of Red Dragons," is a historical city located in the western half of Afghanistan, in the Badghis Province. It was historically known as the capital of the Zunbils, an ancient Indo-European dynasty. Shahr-e-Zohak is one of the oldest cities in the region, having been inhabited continuously for thousands of years. It is situated in the fertile valley of the Murghab River, and is surrounded by the majestic Alborz Mountains. Today, Shahr-e-Zohak is a picturesque town and popular tourist destination, where evidence of its ancient history can still be found. Visitors to the city can explore ancient monuments and ruins, and take in views of snow-capped mountains and rolling hills. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Afghanistan
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Citadel: The ancient citadel of Shahr-e-Zohak in Bamiyan province is said to have been built by the legendary Zahhak (or Zohak), a figure in Persian mythology. The imposing structure rises up 200 meters above a towering terraced fortifications. 2. Ruins: Shahr-e-Zohak is now in ruins, but it still has many vestiges of its past, including the remains of a series of buildings and structures, stairways, and defensive walls. Many of the structures date from the 3rd century AD, when the area was a major trading hub and center of learning. 3. Legendary Figures: The site is a major draw for visitors, as it is steeped in legend and myth, as well as having many important religious sites. Visitors can visit the Mosque of Imam Zaman and Imam Ali, believed to be the brothers of Zahhak, and the tombs of Zahhak, Qobad, Zal, and Simorgh, characters in the Persian epic of Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). 4. National Park: The ruins of Shahr-e-Zohak are now a National Park, and evidence from archaeological surveys has revealed many artifacts and ruins that are still being studied. Visitors can also experience the stunning views of the valley, mountains, and the nearby lake. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Afghanistan.

History:

Shahr-e-Zohak (meaning “city of two red hills” in Persian) is an ancient archaeological site in Afghanistan dating back as far as 2500 BCE. It was part of the flourishing culture of Bactria and held great significance as a trade center during the period of classical antiquity. Archaeological records suggest that the city was a Zoroastrian temple, built by the Achaemenid Persians in the 6th century BCE, and has also been linked to Alexander the Great. In 327 BCE, Alexander the Great and his army plundered the city, after having already destroyed nearby Phrada, and the area was generally a site of contention during the Wars of the Diadochi in the subsequent centuries. While the city’s most important phase of construction began in the 1st century CE, archaeologists have found artifacts from much earlier periods, including several Zoroastrian temples. The city is also associated with the great poet Ferdowsi, who is said to have been born there in 940 CE and mentioned it in his epic poem the Shahnameh, as the birthplace of the famous Persian king, Rustam. Although little remains today of the site, it was once a great feat of engineering; the ruins include fortifications, walls, and circular towers, one of which is higher than the other two. The city also features several tombs and cemeteries. In the present day, local Afghan tribes conduct occasional visits to the site; unfortunately, further destruction is also possible due to natural causes such as erosion. Visit one of the famous monuments of Afghanistan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Shahr-e-Zohak is an important archaeological site in Afghanistan located in the Bamyan province. 2. The ruins have been attributed to Alexander the Great, who conquered the region in the 4th century BC. 3. The site is comprised of a large mud-brick fortress with an oval shape surrounded by a ditch and two earthen towers. 4. Shahr-e-Zohak is widely considered one of the most important monuments in Afghanistan from the pre-Islamic period. 5. The area is believed to have been fortified by the Sasanian Dynasty in the 4th century AD, and later occupied by the Umayyad Caliphates in the 8th century. 6. Another interesting fact about Shahr-e-Zohak is that it is the only known mud-brick fortress of this size and scale in the country. 7. The site has been on the Afghanistan-UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 2003. One of the historical monuments of Afghanistan, it tells the story of a bygone era