Herat: The Cultural Heart of Afghanistan

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khodahafez]
• Yesبله
  [baleh]
• Noنه
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeلطفا
  [lotfan]
• Thank youتشکر
  [tashakor]
• Excuse me/Sorryببخشید
  [bebakhshid]
• How are you?حال شما چطور است؟
  [haal-e shoma chetor ast?]
• Fine. And you?خوبم. شما چطور؟
  [khobam. shoma chetor?]
• Do you speak English?آیا شما انگلیسی صحبت می کنید؟
  [aya shoma engelisi sohbat mikonid?]
• I don't understandمن نمی فهمم
  [man nemifahmam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseلطفا منو را ببینید
  [lotfan menu ra bebinid]
• I don't eat meatمن گوشت نمی خورم
  [man goosht nemikhoram]
• Cheers!سلامتی!
  [salamati!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseلطفا می خواهم پرداخت کنم
  [lotfan mikham pardakht konam]

• Help!کمک!
  [komak!]
• Go away!برو!
  [boro!]
• Call the Police!پلیس را صدا کنید!
  [polis ra seda konid!]
• Call a doctor!یک دکتر صدا کنید!
  [yek doctor seda konid!]
• I'm lostگم شده ام
  [gom shode am]
• I'm illمن بیمار هستم
  [man bimar hastam]

• I'd like to buy...من مایلم بخرم...
  [man mayelam bokhoram...]
• I'm just lookingمن فقط دارم نگاه می کنم
  [man faqat daram negah mikonam]
• How much is it?این چقدر است؟
  [in cheghadr ast?]
• That's too expensiveاین خیلی گران است
  [in kheili geran ast]
• Can you lower the price?می توانید قیمت را پایین بیاورید؟
  [mitavanid gheymat ra paein biavarid?]

• What time is it?ساعت چند است؟
  [sa'at chand ast?]
• It's one o'clockیک است
  [yek ast]
• Half past (10)نیمه (ده)
  [nimeh (dah)]
• Morningصبح
  [sobh]
• Afternoonعصر
  [asr]
• Eveningشام
  [sham]
• Yesterdayدیروز
  [diruz]
• Todayامروز
  [emruz]
• Tomorrowفردا
  [farda]
• 1یک
  [yek]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3سه
  [se]
• 4چهار
  [char]
• 5پنج
  [panj]
• 6شش
  [shesh]
• 7هفت
  [haft]
• 8هشت
  [hasht]
• 9نه
  [noh]
• 10ده
  [dah]

• Where's a/the...?کجاست ...؟
  [kojast ...?]
• What's the address?آدرس چیست؟
  [adres chist?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?می توانید به من نشان دهید (روی نقشه)؟
  [mitavanid be man neshan dahid (ruye naghsheh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?بعدی چه زمانی است (اتوبوس)؟
  [ba'di che zamanist (otobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)یک بلیط (به ...)
  [yek bilit (be ...)]

Herat's history dates back to the times of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. It was then called 'Artacoana' and served as a significant settlement in the region. The city was known for its strategic location along the trade routes connecting Persia to Central Asia.

In 330 BCE, Alexander the Great captured Herat during his conquest of the Persian Empire. The city was renamed 'Alexandria in Aria' and became a part of the Hellenistic world, which influenced its culture, architecture, and urban planning.

Herat flourished under the Sassanian Empire, becoming an important center of trade and culture. With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, the city transitioned into an Islamic hub, playing a crucial role in the spread of the new religion in the region.

In the 12th century, Herat became a prominent city under the Ghurid Dynasty. This period marked a golden age for the city, with significant developments in art, architecture, and learning. The Ghurid rulers constructed many of Herat's iconic monuments, including the Great Mosque.

Herat suffered significant destruction during the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. However, it rose from the ashes under the Timurid Dynasty in the 14th and 15th centuries. Timur's son, Shah Rukh, and his wife, Gawhar Shad, transformed Herat into a center of Persian culture and learning, establishing the city as the capital of the Timurid Empire.

In the 16th century, Herat became a contested city between the Safavid and Mughal empires. The Safavids ultimately gained control, and the city became a provincial capital in their realm. This period saw the blending of Persian and Mughal influences in Herat's architecture and culture.

Herat continued to be a significant city in Afghanistan through the 19th and 20th centuries, enduring various political changes and conflicts. Today, it is known for its rich historical heritage, vibrant bazaars, and beautiful monuments, attracting visitors from around the world.

Herat is accessible via Herat International Airport, which offers flights to and from major cities in Afghanistan and select international destinations. Alternatively, you can reach Herat by road from Kabul, though this journey can be lengthy and may require a stopover in cities like Kandahar or Farah. There are also bus services and private car hires available from neighboring cities.

Within Herat, taxis are a common and convenient mode of transportation. There are also minivans and buses that operate on fixed routes across the city. For a more immersive experience, consider hiring a local guide with a vehicle. Walking is feasible in the city center where many attractions are clustered, but be cautious of traffic.

The official currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). While some hotels and larger establishments may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available in Herat, but their reliability can vary, so it is wise to have sufficient cash on hand for your expenses.

Herat is relatively safe compared to some other regions in Afghanistan, but it is still critical to exercise caution. Avoid traveling alone at night and steer clear of unfamiliar areas. Neighborhoods such as Guzara and Shindand have reported higher crime rates, so tourists should be particularly cautious in these areas. Always stay updated on local news and follow travel advisories.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 112 for medical emergencies. Herat Regional Hospital is the primary medical facility in the area. It is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should cover their heads and avoid wearing revealing clothes. Men should avoid shorts. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs; always remove your shoes before entering mosques and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Herat like a local, visit the Friday Mosque and Herat Citadel to soak in the city's rich history. Stroll through the local bazaars where you can buy traditional Afghan crafts and spices. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a cup of tea in a local chaikhana (tea house) and engage in conversations with friendly locals who are often eager to share their culture and stories.