Kandahar is a city in southern Afghanistan, the second largest in this state. It was and remains a troubled point on the map of Asia. What does Kandahar look like today? What sights can be seen in the city? And do tourists come here?
Kandahar - a city in the middle of the desert
The city is located in the province of the same name in Afghanistan, at an altitude of about a kilometer above sea level. On all sides it is surrounded by a lifeless rocky desert. However, Kandahar originated within an oasis, so cypresses, mulberry trees and other plants can be seen in the city and its surroundings.
Kandahar is a city with an ancient history. So, 50 kilometers from it is a unique archaeological site - Mundigak. It is the remains of an Eneolithic settlement.
The climate of Kandahar is harsh. In summer, the air here often warms up to +40 degrees, and in winter temperatures drop to zero Celsius. There is very little atmospheric precipitation per year (no more than 200 millimeters). Most of them fall in winter.
Kandahar: photos of the city and a brief history
Kandahar has a long history. The city was founded in the 4th century BC. Its first inhabitants were the ancestors of today's Pashtuns. In the first century, the ancient Greek wanderer Isidore of Harak described the city in his book.
In the XVIII century, Kandahar managed to visit the capital of Afghanistan. It is here that the tomb of Ahmad Shah, the father of Afghan statehood, is located.
Until the beginning of this century, the city was under the control of the Taliban, and the largest Al-Qaeda camp operated in its vicinity. In 2001, Kandahar was occupied by the troops of the Northern Alliance - the United Union for the Salvation of Afghanistan. Today the city is under the vigilant control of the military. Nevertheless, the Taliban, who consider all foreigners and non-Muslims their enemies, periodically organize terrorist attacks and shootings in the city.
In terms of population, Kandahar is a fairly large city. About half a million people live here.
Kandahar Airport
Kandahar International Airport is the city's main transport gateway. It was built in the middle of the 20th century as a refueling point for aircraft. During the Afghan war of the 80s, fierce battles took place near the airfield, but its infrastructure was almost not damaged.
In 2001, when Kandahar was occupied by the troops of the Northern Alliance, the Americans had their first military base in Afghanistan on the territory of the airport. In 2007, it was also used for civil passenger flights.
Kandahar Airport looks very colorful andunusual for a European tourist. So, here you will not see ladders, sleeves for the passage of passengers to the plane, parking lots with numerous taxi cars at the exit. The area around the airfield is guarded by a vigilant military.
Modern Kandahar: city walk
Traveling around the city is better with a local guide, or by car. After all, a lone tourist in a clearly “foreign” European attire can become an excellent target for terrorists.
Kandahar itself looks poorer and more neglected than other cities in Afghanistan. There are a lot of military, police, roadblocks in the city. Some driveways are completely covered with concrete blocks with barbed wire. At the entrances to the city, the military carefully checks many cars. In a word, everything in Kandahar reminds of the troubled situation in the region.
Tourists should go to Kandahar in the spring. In June-July, as a rule, sultry heat sets in here. There are hotels in the city. However, they are quite expensive (at least $100 per room) and staff often do not speak English.
Sights of Kandahar
Are there any objects in Kandahar that may be of interest to a visiting tourist? Of course there is.
One of the main attractions of the city founded by Alexander the Great is the Harka-Sharif Mosque. The structure is guarded by armed soldiers, while the mosque itself is open only on Fridays. The building with one large dome was built in the Moorish style. In thisThe mosque houses an important Islamic shrine - a fragment of the Prophet's cloak. However, non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque.
The most famous place in the city is the Square of the Fallen Martyrs. It is decorated with a small but beautiful monument built in the 40s. Near the square is the city bazaar - an unusually colorful place. You can buy absolutely everything on it. They sell local and very tasty bread here.
Another interesting attraction of Kandahar is the grotto Shikhl Zina, located in a high rock. A steep stone staircase leads to it. Climbing up, the tourist will have a gorgeous panoramic view of the city and its immediate surroundings.
Conclusion
Kandahar is a city of which country? Now you know the answer to this question. Where is the city of Kandahar located? The settlement is located in the southern part of Afghanistan and is the second largest in the country.
Kandahar continues to be a hot spot on the map of Asia. Attacks and shootings in the streets are not uncommon here. Despite the presence of interesting sights, the city is rarely visited by tourists.
