Kabul
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The city of Kabul (population 4 million) sits at 5800 feet (1800 meters) above sea level in a valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains. Famous for being one of the most war-ravaged cities in recent times, Kabul is now in the midst of massive reconstruction. Uniquely, the city is bisected by a stark mountain range, with only two narrow passes linking the two sides of the city, with the population filling in two neighboring valleys in a number "8" fashion. Famous for its spring-like weather and dramatic mountain views, Kabul today presents a much starker reality. The markets bustle with activity and traffic can clog the streets. Burqa-clad widows compete with orphans and amputees to beg along the dusty and crowded roads that wind through town. This is one face of post-war Afghanistan. On the other hand, Afghan ingenuity and the incredible will to succeed will surprise and please you. You will witness not only the historic and monumental sides of Kabul, but will see a nation lifting itself up and charging toward progress.
Kabul was occupied by troops of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1979; the USSR withdrew from Afghanistan on Feb. 15, 1989. The city has gone through the toughest and most disastrous civil war in its history between 1992-1996. Over 50,000 people lost their lives during the Mujahideen infightings on the streets of Kabul in 1992-1996 period. The city has been under the control of the Taliban government since 1996 and ended in 2001. The Northern Alliance took over the city as the Taliban withdrew from Kabul and retreated southwards. The fate of the city is yet to be known. The role of UN and World community is important in bringing a stable government in Kabul. Infrastructures such as roads and traffic system, telephone system, electricity, water sanitation, renovation of buildings are in shambles and the need for reconstruction is very much needed to bring back the city of Kabul to a better place for living.
Travel Attractions in Kabul
The city of Kabul, which used to be a tourist attraction, has lost its charm during the last 24 years of its history. Infrastructures such as roads and traffic system, telephone and electricity system, water sanitation, renovation of buildings is in shambles and the need for reconstruction is very much needed to make the city a better place for living. The major places of interest in Kabul are as follows
Kabul Museum
Kabul Museum, also known as Afghan National Museum, boasts of the finest collection of old Afghan items which tell about the history of Afghanistan and its rulers. Built in 1920, the museum was one of the prime attraction of central Asia. Many treasures and artifacts were stored in the museum. The museum housed the most comprehensive record of Central Asian history. Bagram Collection was one of the largest display in the museum. The museum testifies the effect of India, Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Central Asia on Afghanistan.
Several of these treasures were tragically lost when the Kabul Museum was bombed in 1993. The Kabul Museum has undergone restoration with the help of UNESCO and reopened again in 2004.
Kabul Bala Hisar
Bala Hisar fortress was built around 5th century B.C. During the ancient times, the citadel was considered the main defensive complex for the Afghan rulers. The fortress was partially destroyed by General Roberts in 1879. Bala Hissar was restored under Abdur Rahman and is now occupied by the Afghan National Army. Entry to the fortress is restricted.
Gardens of Babur
Earlier known as Bagh-e-Babur, Babur's garden is a picnic park with swimming pool. The park is also famous for the tomb of Moghul Emperor Babur, the founder of the Moghul empire. Moghul Emperor Babur laid out these gardens in 16th century and later Amir Abdul Rehman made few additions. Top of the terrace in the garden provides magnificent view of the whole Kabul city. Babur's garden is really worth a visit.
ARG Citadel
ARG citadel was built by Amir Abdul Rahman in 1880. Salam Khana (hall of salutation) and Dilkosha Palace ( Heart Delight Palace) were the central attractions of the citadel. Amir Abdul Rahman (1880-1901) built this citadel to operate the Bala Hisar places. Later it was used for presidential offices until it was left in ruin due to heavy bombardments.
Kabul Zoo
Kabul Zoo was inaugurated in 1967. Afghan fauna typically flourishes in the zoo. The zoo is located on the bank of Kabul river. Now a days Chinese government and North Carolina zoo are taking care of the zoo by donating animals.
Mosques
Id Gah Mosque
The rich Islamic heritage can be seen in architecture of many mosques in Afghanistan and Id Gah Mosque is one of them. The mosque is the prime spot for national and religious celebrations in Kabul. Being the largest mosque in Kabul, Id Gah Mosque or Eid Gah Mosque was built by King Abdor Rahman Khan in 1893. Located in the Shar-e_barq of Kabul, the mosque is the cardinal religious site of Kabul.
Shah-Do-Shamshira Mosque
Shah-Do-Shamshira Mosque, the word means the Mosque of the King of Two Swords, relates to an early legend concerning the arrival of Islam in Kabul. The mosque is located opposite the river from Timur Shah Mausoleum. The large two-storied mosque was built in 1920. A two-storied structure in yellow, is decorated with Italianate stucco, giving an effect that could be described as 'Afghan Baroque'.
Pul-e Khishti Mosque
Standing in the center of old Kabul, the Pul-e Khishti Mosque was originally erected in the late 18th Century, but largely rebuilt under Zahir Shah in the late 1960s. It can be picked out by its large blue dome but is otherwise architecturally indistinct, a mix of international modern style punctuated with traditional Afghan tiling.
Sherpur Mosque
The mosque is at Chahrari Haji Yaqub on the edge of the Sherpur and Shahr-e Nau districts. The external blue tiling on the facade were produced at Herat's Friday Mosque tile workshop. The mosque was only built in 1957, and is referred to locally as the Masjid-e Haji Yaqub. The identity of Haji Yaqub himself is unclear.
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