Country | Afghanistan |
Area | 83 km2 (32 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+4:30 (Afghanistan Standard Time) |
Coordinates | 36.70904, 67.11087 |
Highest elevation | 357 m (1,171 ft) |
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City Description
Mazar-i-Sharif, also known as Mazar-e Sharif or simply Mazar, is the fourth-largest city in Afghanistan, with an estimated population of 500,207 residents as of 2021. As the capital of Balkh province, it is a key regional hub in northern Afghanistan. The city is strategically connected by highways to Kunduz in the east, Kabul in the southeast, Herat in the southwest, and Termez, Uzbekistan in the north, located about 55 kilometers from the Uzbek border.
Mazar-i-Sharif is renowned for its cultural and historical significance, attracting tourists with its famous shrines and numerous Islamic and Hellenistic archaeological sites. The nearby ancient city of Balkh further enhances its appeal to history enthusiasts. Historically, the region around Mazar-i-Sharif has been part of Greater Khorasan and has seen control by various empires and dynasties, including the Tahirids, Saffarids, Samanids, Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Ilkhanids, Timurids, and the Khanate of Bukhara. In 1751, it became part of the Durrani Empire, though under autonomous emirs, and eventually integrated into Afghanistan in 1849 after passing through the hands of several local rulers.
The city is notable for its international airport and significant urban development, with the highest percentage of built-up land (91%) among Afghan provincial capitals. The city extends beyond its municipal boundaries, forming a larger urban area. Situated at approximately 357 meters above sea level, Mazar-i-Sharif is the lowest-lying major city in Afghanistan. Remarkably, it was largely spared from the widespread devastation experienced by other Afghan cities during the Soviet–Afghan War and subsequent civil conflicts, earning a reputation as one of the safest cities in the country for a long time.
However, on August 14, 2021, Mazar-i-Sharif was seized by Taliban fighters, marking it as the twenty-fifth provincial capital to fall during the 2021 Taliban offensive. This event significantly impacted the city’s political and security landscape, highlighting its strategic importance in Afghanistan’s ongoing turmoil. Despite these challenges, Mazar-i-Sharif continues to be a vital cultural and economic center in Afghanistan, offering a unique blend of historical heritage and modern development.
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