City of Balkh (antique Bactria)

Balkh (ancient Bactria) is perhaps the most important archaeological site in Afghanistan. It is located about 30 km from Mazar-e-Sharif. The city has been inhabited since at least the 6th century BC. it was conquered by Alexander the Great, and then became the center of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and finally Islam. Perhaps the most important monument of Balkh is the Citadel (photo 1), where Alexander's Greeks were already stationed. The original 60-kilometer walls have been reduced to approximately 10 kilometers, but only a few sections can be seen in good condition.

Many of the buildings proposed for entry are located outside the Citadel . Here are the ruins of the oldest Haji Piyada mosque in Afghanistan (also called the Nine Domes Mosque – photo 2), whose rich decorations still delight to this day. We also visited the ruins of Sayed Subhan Quli Khan's madrasa (photo 3) and, above all, the magnificent Timurid Green Mosque (photo 4).

Although I was a bit disappointed shortly after visiting Balkh, after delving into the detailed descriptions of this TWHS, I realize that it has great potential to become a WHS.

While you are here, you will definitely not miss the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif. One of the prettiest mosques in the world.