Balkh: The Mother of Cities

Balkh, located approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Mazar-i-Sharif, is one of the oldest cities in Afghanistan and the world [4, 8, 10]. Its history spans over 2,500 years, with settlements dating back to around 500 BCE or earlier [4, 8]. Known to Arab conquerors as "Umm-al-belad," meaning "the mother of cities," Balkh was a crucial point along the Silk Road, connecting the East and West through trade and cultural exchange [6, 8]. Historically, Balkh was a significant center for Zoroastrianism, with claims that Zoroaster himself died within its walls [8, 10]. The city later embraced Buddhism, as evidenced by the numerous monasteries and stupas that once dotted the landscape [8, 9]. The Arab conquest in the 7th century brought Islam to Balkh, further transforming its religious landscape [5, 8]. Despite these shifts, Balkh maintained its importance as a center of learning and commerce, flourishing during the Abbasid and Samanid periods [5, 8]. Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes devastated Balkh in 1220, leading to its decline [6, 7]. The city never fully recovered, and the seat of government eventually shifted to nearby Mazar-e-Sharif [6]. Today, Balkh is a smaller settlement surrounded by extensive ruins, including the outer walls of ancient Bactra [7, 10]. Among the notable sites are the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa (Green Mosque), the tomb of Rabi'a Balkhi, and the Nine Domes Mosque [7, 11, 15]. These landmarks offer a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and historical past [4, 5, 7].