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Qala-i-Jangi: Fortress of War

Explore Qala-i-Jangi, a historic Afghan fortress near Mazar-i-Sharif, witness to centuries of conflict and resilience, offering a glimpse into the nation’s past.

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Qala-i-Jangi, or "House of War," is a 19th-century fortress near Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan [3, 16]. Built in 1889, it's known for the bloody 2001 Taliban uprising, the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi [3, 5]. Today, it stands as a landmark and a testament to Afghan resilience [6].

A brief summary to Qala-i-Jangi

  • Militair fort, Nahr Shahi, AF

Local tips

  • Bring a camera to capture the views from the fortress [6].
  • Consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting [6].
  • Learn about the history of the fortress from local guides if available [6].
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for exploring [6].
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Mazar-i-Sharif, a taxi or ride-share is a practical way to reach Qala-i-Jangi. Negotiate the fare beforehand, aiming for approximately 300-500 Afghanis for the one-way trip to Nahr Shahi [10]. Specify that you want to go to Qala-i-Jangi, located just outside of Nahr Shahi [10]. The journey takes roughly 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic [10]. There are no additional tolls or parking fees [10].

  • Public Transport

    To reach Qala-i-Jangi by public transport from Mazar-i-Sharif, go to the main bus station near the city center [10]. Look for a shared taxi or minibus heading towards Nahr Shahi [10]. The fare should be around 50-100 Afghanis per person [6, 10]. Inform the driver that you wish to stop near Qala-i-Jangi [10]. From the drop-off point in Nahr Shahi, you can either walk approximately 2 kilometers to the fortress or hire a local taxi for around 50 Afghanis for the short ride [6, 10]. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip [6, 10].

  • Walking

    If you prefer to walk from Nahr Shahi to Qala-i-Jangi, exit the town center and follow the main dirt road heading southeast towards the hill where the fortress is located [6]. The walk is about 2 kilometers and should take approximately 30 minutes [6]. Be cautious and consider traveling during daylight hours [6].

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Discover more about Qala-i-Jangi

Qala-i-Jangi, meaning "House of War" in Persian, is a historic fortress located near Nahr Shahi in northern Afghanistan [16, 15]. Constructed in 1889 by Abdur Rahman Khan, the "Iron Amir," it was intended to defend against Russian invasion and suppress Uzbek revolts [3, 9]. British funds supported its construction, and Rahman considered it the largest and strongest fort in Afghanistan [3, 9]. It reportedly took 18,000 workers 12 years to complete [3, 9]. The fortress is made of mud, straw, and wooden beams, showcasing traditional Afghan building techniques [3, 9]. In 2001, it measured 550 meters long and 270 meters wide, with mud towers at each corner [3]. It has witnessed several conflicts, including a siege by Turkmens in 1929 and attacks by Mujahideen in 1981 [3]. The Taliban occupied it from 1994 to 2001 [3]. Qala-i-Jangi is most known for the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi in November 2001 [3, 5]. Foreign Taliban fighters, who had surrendered, staged an uprising within the fortress [11]. This resulted in a fierce battle, with at least 470 deaths, including CIA agent Johnny "Mike" Spann [3, 5]. The Northern Alliance, supported by U.S. and British forces, eventually quelled the revolt [4]. Today, Qala-i-Jangi stands as a reminder of Afghanistan's turbulent past [9]. While often closed to the public, its exterior can be viewed, offering a glimpse into the country's history [6, 9].

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