Afghanistan
has been under various religious, political and social influences in the
past. Its colorful history has strains of Hindu and Buddhist influences,
while Islamic impact has remained dominant. This pattern has shown itself in
monuments of the country. Whatever remained of the Hindu and Buddhist
strains has been obliterated by the fanatics. Most monuments in Afghanistan
are currently in dilapidated state due to unending conflict. However the new
government is trying to refurbish them.
Balkh
Shrine of Hazrat Ali (Roza Mubarik), Mosque of Nine Cupolas (No-Gonbad
Mosque) Top-i-rustam & Takht-i-Rustam are the monuments of Balkh city.
Tomb of Hazrat Ali is known for its Mughal architecture and ornamented
inscriptions. Thousands of the faithful visit the Mosque of Nine Cupolas,
also known as Khoja Piada.
Bamiyan
Two giant Buddha idols, 38 metres and 53 metres high respectively, carved
out in hillls were top attractions in Bamiyan, but they were destroyed by
the Taliban. Shahr-e Golgola is a fort located in Bamiyan valley.
Shahr-e-Zohak or Red Town is a fortress built entirely of sun dried clay.
Ghazni
Ghazni was once the capital of the empire of Mahmoud of Ghazni. It hosted a
string of historical monuments, and it still does. Monuments in Ghazni are
Mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud, Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III, the citadel and the
minarets. The Mausoleum is elegantly carved with Afghan marble.
Herat
Herat was among the most impressive towns of ancient Afghanistan. Monuments
in Herat are Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III, the citadel
(Qala-i-Ikhtiyar-ud-din), Mousallah Complex, Minarets of Sultan Baigara,
Gazar Gah, Chisht-i-Sharif and Tomb of Jami. Masjet-e-Jam or Blue Mosque is
an important pilgrimage centre in Afghanistan. It is also important from
architectural point of view. In Chisht-i-Sharif, you can see two famous
domes of Chisht.
Kabul
Monument, mausoleums and mosques in Capital Kabul are Kabul Bala Hisar, ARG
Citadel Abdur Rahman Mausoleum, Mausoleum of Timur Shah, Mausoleum of Nadir
Shah, Id Gah Mosque, Shah-Do-Shamshira Mosque, Pul-e Khishti Mosque and
Sherpur Mosque.
Kandahar
Mosques and mausoleums of Kandahar are Chilzina, Mausoleum of Ahmad
Shah Durrani and Shrine of Baba Wali.
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