Around the World Series Asia: Kabul, the Capital of Afghanistan
Kabul, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is located in the Kabul River Valley at the southern foot of the Hindu Kush mountains in the eastern part of the country. As the capital of Kabul Province, it is also Afghanistan's largest city.
With a history spanning over 3,500 years, Kabul is a renowned ancient city and a key hub on the famous Silk Road, the historic trade route connecting East and West. It served as a vital link for trade between Central and South Asia and was a center for cultural exchange. The name "Kabul" means "trade hub" in Sindhi. In 1773, after the Durrani Empire unified Afghanistan, Kabul became the nation's capital.
Today, Kabul remains a city shrouded in mystery and charm, waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers. A journey through its history and culture awaits.
📷 Images 1 & 2: Flag Mountain (Koh-e-Afghan) in Wazir Akbar Khan, a hill in the once-elite district where many foreign embassies were located and affluent residents lived. At its summit, besides a park reminiscent of Babur's Gardens, stands a towering flagpole flying the large white Taliban flag.
📷 Images 3 & 4: Panoramic views of Kabul from Flag Mountain.
📷 Images 5 & 6: Babur Gardens (Bagh-e-Babur)
Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire in 1526, held a deep affection for Kabul. Nostalgic for its cool mountain air and melons, he willed to be buried here in the gardens he commissioned. A descendant later fulfilled his wish by relocating the emperor's remains to the site.
📷 Images 7 & 8: Chicken Street, a whimsically named avenue in the city center popular with foreigners since the 1960s when Afghanistan was a stop on the hippie trail from Europe to India and Southeast Asia. The street is famed for its "Kuchi-style" jewelry, traditional ornaments of Afghanistan's nomadic people.
(Note: Closed during Eid al-Adha.)
📷 Image 9: National Museum of Afghanistan (Closed for Eid al-Adha)
📷 Image 10: The Arg (Afghan Presidential Palace)
📷 Image 11: The "I ❤️ Afghanistan" logo at Kabul Airport
📷 Images 12-20: Streets of Kabul