Kabul: The Heart of Afghanistan

• Helloسلام
  [salam]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesبله
  [bale]
• Noنه
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeلطفا
  [lotfan]
• Thank youتشکر
  [tashakur]
• Excuse me/Sorryببخشید
  [bebakhshid]
• How are you?چطورید؟
  [chetorid?]
• Fine. And you?خوبم. شما؟
  [khobam. shoma?]
• Do you speak English?آیا انگلیسی حرف میزنید؟
  [aya englisi harf mizanid?]
• I don't understandمتوجه نمیشم
  [motajeh nemisham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseلطفا منو بیاورید
  [lotfan menu biavared]
• I don't eat meatگوشت نمیخورم
  [gosht nemikhoram]
• Cheers!سلامتی!
  [salamati!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseلطفا پرداخت کنم
  [lotfan pardakht konam]

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

• I'd like to buy...میخواهم بخرم...
  [mikhaham bekharam...]
• I'm just lookingفقط نگاه میکنم
  [faqat negah mikonam]
• How much is it?قیمتش چقدر است؟
  [ghimatash chand ast?]
• That's too expensiveخیلی گران است
  [kheili geran ast]
• Can you lower the price?میتوانید قیمتش را کم کنید؟
  [mitavanid ghimatash ra kam konid?]

• What time is it?ساعت چند است؟
  [saat chand ast?]
• It's one o'clockیک ساعت است
  [yek saat ast]
• Half past (10)نیمه (ده)
  [nime (dah)]
• Morningصبح
  [sobh]
• Afternoonبعد از ظهر
  [ba'd az zohr]
• Eveningشام
  [sham]
• Yesterdayدیروز
  [dierooz]
• Todayامروز
  [emrooz]
• Tomorrowفردا
  [farda]
• 1یک
  [yek]
• 2دو
  [do]
• 3سه
  [se]
• 4چهار
  [chahar]
• 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)?میتوانید به من نشان دهید؟
  [mitavanid be man neshan dahid?]
• When's the next (bus)?بعدی (اتوبوس) کی است؟
  [badi (otobus) key ast?]
• A ticket (to ....)یک بلیت (به ...)
  [yek bilit (be ...)]

Kabul's history stretches back more than 3,500 years. It is believed to have been founded by the Aryan tribes who migrated from Central Asia. The city is mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in the world, indicating its significance even in ancient times.

In the 6th century BCE, Kabul became part of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. The city served as a vital trade and cultural hub within the empire, linking it with India and Central Asia.

During the 1st to 3rd centuries CE, Kabul was a major center of Buddhist culture. The region was dotted with monasteries and stupas, and it played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism to Central and East Asia.

In the 3rd century CE, Kabul came under the control of the Sassanian Empire. Later, it was captured by the Hephthalites, a nomadic confederation that ruled large parts of Central Asia and South Asia.

In the 7th century, Kabul was conquered by the Rashidun Caliphate and subsequently became part of the Islamic world. The city saw the construction of numerous mosques and madrasas, marking the beginning of its Islamic architectural heritage.

During the 10th and 11th centuries, Kabul was part of the Ghaznavid Empire. This period saw significant urban development, including the construction of fortifications, palaces, and mosques. The city also became a center for Persian culture and literature.

In the 16th century, Kabul was captured by the Mughal Emperor Babur. The city became one of the primary residences of the Mughal court, and Babur's garden in Kabul is one of the most famous historical sites from this era.

In the 18th century, Ahmad Shah Durrani established the Durrani Empire, with Kabul eventually becoming its capital. This period marked the beginning of modern Afghanistan, and Kabul played a crucial role in the country's political and cultural life.

During the 19th century, Kabul was a focal point in the Anglo-Afghan Wars. The city witnessed significant conflict and political upheaval during these wars as British forces sought to extend their influence in the region.

In the early 20th century, Kabul underwent significant modernization under King Amanullah Khan. The city saw the construction of new roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as increased efforts to promote education and women's rights.

From 1979 to 1989, Kabul was occupied by Soviet forces during the Soviet-Afghan War. The city experienced extensive damage and upheaval during this period, with significant impacts on its infrastructure and population.

In the late 1990s, Kabul came under the control of the Taliban regime. The city experienced strict implementation of Sharia law and significant restrictions on cultural and social activities, leading to widespread hardship for its residents.

Following the US-led invasion in 2001, Kabul entered a period of reconstruction and development. International aid and investment led to the rebuilding of infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, although the city continued to face challenges related to security and governance.

Kabul is accessible via Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL), which is the primary international gateway to Afghanistan. Various international airlines operate flights to Kabul from major cities in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Overland travel is possible but not recommended due to security concerns. If you choose this route, be aware of the risks and ensure you have the necessary permits and documentation.

Within Kabul, you can get around using taxis, buses, and private cars. Taxis are a common mode of transport, but it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Ride-hailing services like Uber are not available, but local apps like 'Buber' may be used. Public buses are available but can be crowded and less reliable. For short distances, walking is feasible in some parts of the city, but always remain cautious of your surroundings.

The official currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable, so withdraw sufficient cash when you can. Major hotels and some high-end restaurants may accept US dollars. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in various parts of the city.

Kabul has areas with high crime rates, particularly crimes targeting tourists. It is essential to stay updated on current security advisories. Avoid areas like Kabul's Old City and certain districts such as Qargha, which have higher crime rates. Always remain vigilant, avoid traveling alone, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure. It is advisable to hire a local guide or use reputable tour operators for your safety.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 112 for medical emergencies. Kabul has several hospitals, including the French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC) and the Emergency Hospital. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of your country's embassy or consulate in Kabul for further assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should consider wearing a headscarf and men should avoid shorts. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs, including prayer times and fasting during Ramadan. Public Transport: Do be respectful and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Salaam' (peace) and a handshake; men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Kabuli Pulao but avoid eating with your left hand; it's considered impolite.

To experience Kabul like a local, visit the Chicken Street for traditional Afghan crafts and souvenirs. Engage with locals at Kabul's bazaars, and don't miss a visit to Babur's Gardens for a peaceful retreat. Try local eateries for authentic Afghan cuisine. Learning a few basic phrases in Dari or Pashto can go a long way in making connections with locals.