 Mazar-e Sharif (مزارِ شریف) Travel Guide, Afghanistan
Mazar-e Sharif (مزارِ شریف) is the fourth largest city in Afghanistan. Located on the northern part of the country, it is the capital of Balkh province. The city has a population of 375,000 (2011 estimate). It is at an elevation of 380 m (1,247 ft). The city observes the Afghanistan Standard Time, which is UTC+4:30.
Mazar-e Sharif is home to the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, also called the Blue Mosque, believed by some Muslims to be the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
Shrine of Hazrat Ali in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan
Author: Steve Evans (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
Mazar-e Sharif has a long history that goes back to antiquity. According to tradition, the city was born out of a dream in the 12th century, when the local mullah dreamt that the 7th century Ali ibn Abi Talib came to him, revealing to him that he was buried near the city of Balkh. That led to the establishment of Mazar-e Sharif and the famous shrine, which remains the biggest tourist attraction of the city.
In modern times, the city has witnessed bloody fighting between the Taliban and the local rulers. The city was the last major Afghan city to fall to the Taliban, and the fall of Mazar-e Sharif led to Pakistan's recognition of the regime, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Another view of the Shrine of Hazrat Ali
Author: Michal Hvorecky (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
On the other hand, Mazar-e Sharif was also lthe first Afghan city to fall into the hands of the US-backed Northern Alliance. NATO and the United Nations continue to maintain a peacekeeping presence in the city.
Visiting Mazar-e Sharif
The main way to reach the city is by road. It is about five hours from Kabul via the Salang Pass.
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Places of Interest in Mazar-e Sharif
- Shrine of Hazrat Ali
- Ancient Greek relics
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