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Qala-i-Jangi: A Fortress of Afghan History

Explore Qala-i-Jangi, a historic Afghan fortress near Nahr Shahi, witnessing conflicts from the 19th century to the 2001 Taliban uprising. A powerful landmark.

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Qala-i-Jangi, meaning 'Fortress of War,' is a 19th-century Afghan fortress near Nahr Shahi. Built in 1889, it has witnessed numerous conflicts, including a bloody Taliban uprising in 2001. Though often closed to the public, its imposing exterior and historical significance offer a glimpse into Afghanistan's turbulent past.

A brief summary to Qala-i-Jangi

  • Militair fort, Nahr Shahi, AF

Local tips

  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the fortress.
  • Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting conditions for photography.
  • Learn about the history of the fortress from local guides, if available, to gain deeper insights into its significance.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for exploring the rugged terrain around the fortress.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Qala-i-Jangi from Mazar-i-Sharif, take a shared taxi or minibus to Nahr Shahi. The fare typically ranges from 50 to 100 Afghanis. Upon arriving in Nahr Shahi, you can either walk to the fortress (approximately 2 kilometers) or hire a local taxi for around 50 Afghanis for the final leg of the journey. Confirm the fare with the driver before departing.

  • Walking

    If you're already in Nahr Shahi and prefer to walk, exit the town center and head southeast on the main dirt road towards the hill where Qala-i-Jangi is located. The walk is roughly 2 kilometers and should take about 30 minutes. Be mindful of your surroundings and consider walking during daylight hours for safety. There are no costs associated with walking.

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Discover more about Qala-i-Jangi

Qala-i-Jangi, translating to "Fortress of War" or "House of War" in Persian, is a 19th-century fortress located near Nahr Shahi in the Balkh province of Afghanistan. Constructed in 1889 by Abdur Rahman Khan, the "Iron Amir," it was strategically built to defend against potential Russian incursions and suppress internal rebellions. Rahman himself boasted it was the largest and strongest fort ever built in Afghanistan, a project that took 18,000 workers 12 years to complete. Throughout its history, Qala-i-Jangi has been a key strategic point. In 1929, it provided refuge for approximately 300 Russian troops besieged by 20,000 Turkmens. The Soviets later occupied it after their 1979 invasion, and in 1981, Mujahideen fighters attacked, successfully removing 170 pro-Soviet Afghan soldiers. The Taliban controlled the fortress for much of the period between 1994 and 2001. Qala-i-Jangi is most infamous for the bloody uprising in November 2001. Following the surrender of Taliban fighters in Kunduz, hundreds of prisoners, including many foreign fighters, were transported to Qala-i-Jangi. These prisoners, not properly searched, launched a coordinated revolt, attacking their Northern Alliance captors and seizing control of the armory. The ensuing six-day battle was one of the bloodiest engagements of the war, involving Northern Alliance forces supported by U.S. and British special forces and airpower. Today, Qala-i-Jangi stands as a historical landmark, a testament to Afghanistan's turbulent past. While often closed to the public, its imposing exterior can still be appreciated. Visitors can reflect on the events that transpired within its walls and gain a deeper understanding of Afghanistan's complex history. The fortress's architecture blends traditional Afghan style and military design.

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