 Balkh (بلخ) Travel Guide, Afghanistan
Balkh (بلخ) is an ancient city in northern Afghanistan. It is located about 20 km to the northwest of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif. The city has been known since the time of Marco Polo, who described it as a noble and great city.
The 15th century Green Mosque of Balkh, Afghanistan
Author: bluuurgh (public domain)
Located at an elevation of 365 m (1,198 ft), Balkh is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been established as early as 2,000-1,500 BC. The city is a center of Zoroastrianism, the religion established by the prophet Zoroaster, formerly one of the world's largest religions.
The city of Balkh is believed to have become the center of the Bactrian Empire long before the arrival of Alexander the Great. Through its long history, it has been conquered and destroyed a number of times. Today the city is of interest to those who appreciate its history, as it has a number of ancient sites and fortifications worth visiting.
Visiting Balkh
Your base for going to Balkh is the city of Mazar-e Sharif. From there, you can hire a shared taxi for about 20 afghani.
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Places of Interest in Balkh
- Darga of Rabia Balkhi
- Noh Gonbad Mosque
- Shrine of Khoja Abu Nasar Parsa
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