Mazar-i-Sharif: The Jewel of Northern Afghanistan

• Helloسلام
  [salaam]
• Goodbyeخداحافظ
  [khuda hafiz]
• Yesآره
  [are]
• Noنه
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeمهربانی
  [mehrbaani]
• Thank youتشکر
  [tashakur]
• Excuse me/Sorryببخشید
  [bebakhshid]
• How are you?چطوری؟
  [chetoori?]
• Fine. And you?خوبم. شما؟
  [khobam. shoma?]
• Do you speak English?آیا شما انگلیسی حرف میزنید؟
  [aya shoma englisi harf mizanid?]
• I don't understandمن نمیفهمم
  [man nemifahmam]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseلطفاً منو را می‌خواهم ببینم
  [lotfan menu ra mikhwaham bebinam]
• I don't eat meatمن گوشت نمی‌خورم
  [man goosht nemikhoram]
• Cheers!سلامتی!
  [salamati!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseلطفاً می‌خواهم پرداخت کنم
  [lotfan mikhwaham 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 بخوانید!
  [yek doctor bakhahid!]
• I'm lostگم شدم
  [gom shodam]
• I'm illبیمار هستم
  [bimar hastam]

• I'd like to buy...می‌خواهم خرید کنم...
  [mikhwaham kharid konam...]
• I'm just lookingفقط نگاه می‌کنم
  [faqat negah mikonam]
• How much is it?قیمت چقدر است؟
  [ghimat chand ast?]
• That's too expensiveخیلی گران است
  [kheili goran ast]
• Can you lower the price?می‌توانید قیمت را کاهش دهید؟
  [mitavanid ghimat ra kahesh dahid?]

• What time is it?چند است؟
  [chand ast?]
• It's one o'clockیک است
  [yek ast]
• Half past (10)نیمه (ده)
  [nimeh (dah)]
• Morningصبح
  [sobh]
• Afternoonبعدازظهر
  [bad az zohr]
• Eveningعصر
  [asr]
• Yesterdayدیروز
  [dirooz]
• Todayامروز
  [emrooz]
• 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)?می‌توانید به من نشان دهید (روی نقشه)؟
  [mitavanid be man neshan dahid (ruye naghshe)?]
• When's the next (bus)?بعدی کی است؟
  [badhi key ast?]
• A ticket (to ....)یک بلیط (به ...)
  [yek bilit (be ...)]

Mazar-i-Sharif, translated as 'The Noble Shrine,' is believed to have been founded in the 12th century by the Seljuk Sultan Ahmed Sanjar. The city grew around the reputed tomb of Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, which is enshrined in the Blue Mosque, also known as the Shrine of Ali.

The Blue Mosque, or the Shrine of Ali, is the most iconic landmark of Mazar-i-Sharif. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqarah, it is renowned for its stunning blue tiles and intricate Islamic architecture. The mosque is a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims and attracts visitors from around the world.

During the Timurid Empire (1370-1507), Mazar-i-Sharif flourished as a center of culture and learning. The city benefited from the patronage of Timurid rulers, who promoted the arts, architecture, and scholarship. The Blue Mosque was expanded and renovated during this period, further enhancing its splendor.

In the 20th century, Mazar-i-Sharif experienced significant development, becoming one of Afghanistan's major cities. It served as a strategic location during various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War and the subsequent civil war. Despite these challenges, the city has continued to grow and develop, with new infrastructure and amenities being added regularly.

Mazar-i-Sharif is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, most notably the Nowruz (New Year) celebrations. Held annually in March, the festival marks the beginning of spring and includes various cultural activities, music, dancing, and a traditional game called Buzkashi. The city comes alive with colorful decorations and a festive atmosphere during this time.

Historically, Mazar-i-Sharif has been a hub for trade and commerce, due to its strategic location on the trade routes connecting Central Asia with South Asia. Today, the city continues to be an economic center, with a bustling market and various industries, including textiles, agriculture, and handicrafts.

Mazar-i-Sharif is located in northern Afghanistan and is accessible by air and road. The nearest airport is Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport, which has regular flights from Kabul and some international destinations. From Kabul, you can also travel by bus, which takes approximately 8-10 hours, or by private car. Ensure you check the current security situation before traveling by road.

Within Mazar-i-Sharif, you can use taxis, which are the most common form of transport. They are relatively inexpensive but always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. There are also buses and minibuses (known locally as 'millies') for intercity travel. For longer distances, private car rentals are available, but driving can be challenging due to local traffic conditions.

The official currency in Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani (AFN). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is crucial to carry enough cash. ATMs are available but can be unreliable; it's best to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand. US dollars are also accepted in some places, but always carry small denominations for convenience.

While Mazar-i-Sharif is generally safer than other parts of Afghanistan, it is essential to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night and stay away from areas with high crime rates, such as the outskirts of the city. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or religion in public.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance or 102 for medical emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. The main hospital in the city is Mazar-i-Sharif Regional Hospital, which can handle most medical issues. For minor health concerns, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should cover their heads and avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing. Men should avoid shorts. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs, especially during prayer times. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer seats to elders. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, but be cautious when greeting the opposite sex; a nod or a verbal greeting is often more appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food, but avoid drinking tap water. Don't refuse food or drink offered by your host, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mazar-i-Sharif like a local, visit the Blue Mosque, an iconic landmark and a hub of local activity. Spend time in local bazaars, like the Taimani Bazaar, to buy traditional Afghan goods. Engage with locals, who are often hospitable and eager to share their culture. Try the local dish 'Qabili Palau' and enjoy tea at local tea houses for an authentic experience.