If you are touring Balkh in Afghanistan for the first time then you must keep a note of certain facts about Balkh. Travelers must have an idea about the city’s location, history, culture, tourist attractions and other minute details. These facts about Balkh will help you to have an enjoyable tour.
Location of Balkh
The city of Balkh was once a major city of Khorasan in the country of Afghanistan. But much of the city was destroyed by the Mongols. At present it is a small town in the province of Balkh in northern Afghanistan. The city is located 20 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital Mazar-e-Sharif and 74 kilometers south of Amu Darya.
History of Balkh
Balkh is one of the oldest cities of Afghanistan and is even considered to be the first city where Indo-Iranian Aryan tribes first settled. The Arabs named the city Umm Al-Belaad or Mother of Cities due to its oldness and antiquity. For a long time the city followed Zoroastrian religion. It was only in the 9th century that Islam became firmly rooted within the natives. The ruler at this time was Ya'qub bin Laith as-Saffar. Finally in the year 1870 Balkh, the regional capital was shifted to Mazar-e Sharif.
Culture of Balkh
The culture of Balkh is rich with literary and musical works. Balkh had a major role in the development of Persian language and literature. Again it was Balkh from where Aryans moved to the other parts of Persia and Hindustan. Thus travelers visiting this city can get to know about the culture of various races starting from the Aryans. Many Persian poets were mainly from Balkh. Some of the popular poets are Rabi'a Balkhi, Daqiqi Balkhi, Unsuri Balkhi and others.
How to reach Balkh
Tourists can easily reach the city of Balkh from the provincial capital Mazar-e-Sharif. For this you just need to hire a taxi. The rates are also reasonable.
Tourist Attractions in Balkh
Among the various tourist attractions in Balkh mention may be made of the two notable ones such as Shrine of Khoja Abu Nasar Parsa, Dargah of Rabia Balkhi.
For all relevant information on facts about Balkh refer to travel.mapsofworld
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