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Remains of the Balkh Oasis Walls: Echoes of Ancient Bactria

Explore the ancient Balkh Oasis walls in Afghanistan, a Silk Road oasis with a rich history spanning over 2,500 years, once known as the 'Mother of Cities'.

Explore the ancient Remains of the Balkh Oasis walls in Zadian, Afghanistan, and step back in time to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of this Silk Road oasis. These walls are remnants of Balkh, once known as Bactra, the ancient capital of Bactria, a city with a history stretching back over 2,500 years [6].

A brief summary to Remains of the Balkh Oasis walls

  • 3W7Q+F2, Zadian, AF

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the area around the walls can be rough.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the area can be exposed and hot, especially during the summer months.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the walls.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Zadian, the Remains of the Balkh Oasis Walls are accessible by foot. Head north, following the main road out of town. The walls will become visible on the horizon after approximately a 15-20 minute walk. There are no entrance fees or specific costs associated with approaching the site on foot.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from the center of Zadian to reach the Remains of the Balkh Oasis Walls. Negotiate the fare before starting the journey. A typical one-way trip should cost approximately 50-100 Afghanis, depending on the bargaining and the taxi driver. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.

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Discover more about Remains of the Balkh Oasis walls

The Remains of the Balkh Oasis walls stand as silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of civilizations in Central Asia [6]. Located near Zadian, Afghanistan, these walls are the remnants of Balkh, a city once known as Bactra, the ancient capital of Bactria [6]. Its history stretches back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world [6]. Balkh's strategic location along the Silk Road made it a crucial center for trade, culture, and religious exchange, earning it the moniker "Mother of Cities" [6]. Balkh's story is a tapestry woven with threads of various empires and cultural influences [6]. It was a significant center of Zoroastrianism, and later, Buddhism flourished here, leaving behind a legacy of temples and monasteries [6, 8]. Alexander the Great conquered Balkh in 327 BC, and it became a part of the Hellenistic world for several centuries [6]. The city later fell under the rule of various dynasties, including the Kushans, Sassanians, and Arabs, each leaving their mark on its architectural and cultural landscape [6]. During the Islamic Golden Age, Balkh became a renowned center of learning, producing eminent scholars, poets, and philosophers [6]. The city was home to the great Persian poet Rumi, as well as the philosopher and scientist Ibn Sina (Avicenna) [6]. Its libraries and madrasas attracted students from far and wide, contributing to the intellectual ferment of the era [6]. In the 13th century, the city was sacked by Genghis Khan and his Mongol armies, who razed its buildings and slaughtered its inhabitants [6, 5]. The city never fully recovered from this devastation, and its importance gradually declined [6]. The walls, constructed of mud brick, once stretched for over 10 kilometers, enclosing a vast area that encompassed the city and its surrounding agricultural lands [6]. Although time and the elements have taken their toll, the walls still stand in places, rising to a height of over 30 feet [6]. Walking along these ancient ramparts, one can imagine the bustling life that once thrived within their embrace [6].

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