Kabul Fortress: A Historic Citadel

Kabul Fortress, or Bala Hissar, is an ancient and historically significant citadel located in Kabul, Afghanistan [2]. Its origins trace back to around the 5th century AD, with archaeological findings suggesting settlements as far back as the 6th century BCE [2, 3]. The fortress sits on a strategic hill at the southern edge of old Kabul, offering views of the city and surrounding landscape [2, 3, 4]. Throughout its history, Bala Hissar has been a royal palace, a military stronghold, and a focal point for pivotal events in Afghan and regional history [2]. It was conquered by Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, in 1504 [2, 3]. Under Mughal rule, it became the primary residence of the governor of Kabul, expanded with palaces, audience halls, and gardens [2, 3]. Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, Bala Hissar fell into various hands, including Persians and the Durranis [2, 3]. In 1773, Timur Shah Durrani shifted the Durrani capital to Kabul and occupied the fortress, rebuilding a palace and using the upper part as a state prison and arsenal [2]. His successor, Shah Shuja Durrani, further developed the fortress, replacing many earlier Mughal constructions [2, 3]. As Kabul's principal fortress, Bala Hissar was the stage for critical events during the First and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars [2, 3]. The British destroyed much of the fortress in 1880 during the Second Anglo-Afghan War [2, 3, 12]. Today, Bala Hissar remains an Afghan military base, with its perimeter fence encompassing nearly the whole of the former fortress [4]. While little remains above ground, the site has archaeological potential [4].