Old Kandahar City Ruins in Kandahar City, is one of many fascinating sites that both foreign visitors and local tourists can explore while they visit Afghanistan and exploring Kandahar Province. Steeped in a deep panorama of history, the ruins are like an open-air museum, inviting you to walk through time. From the ancient walls to the once-thriving markets and mosques, every piece of rubble has a tale to tell.

Kandahar’s history is not just confined to books but is inscribed in these ruins. For many, visiting Old Kandahar City Ruins is like peeling back layers of time. Once the crossroads of major trade routes and a strategic prize for numerous empires, it’s a place where the air itself feels historic, every corner adorned with an artifact that takes you back to a bygone era.

Old Kandahar City Ruins Most Important Events

• The Construction of Kandahar: The most impactful historical moment at Old Kandahar City Ruins was the establishment of the city. Around 300 BCE, the region fell under the rule of the Mauryan Empire and its Emperor, Ashoka, who, according to archaeologists, played a key role in building the city.
• Invasion by Alexander the Great: Another major event was the invasion by Alexander the Great in 329 BCE. This Greek emperor left his mark on the city and its culture, which can still be traced in the form of Greek-inspired art and architecture.
• The Advent of Islam: A significant development that added to its legacy was the advent of Islam in the 7th Century. This new religious influence considerably shaped the architectural landscape and cultural ethos of Kandahar City. The Ahmad Shah Durrani Empire in the mid-18th century particularly ushered in a period of stability and growth.

History of Old Kandahar City Ruins in Kandahar City

The Old Kandahar City Ruins, dating back over two millennia, have stood witness to the city’s evolution. Kandahar was born around 300 BCE with the vision of the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka. It flourished as an important trading center, with its strategic location connecting major trade routes.

In 329 BCE, upon Alexander the Great’s conquest of the region, Kandahar became a Greek-influenced polis and part of the Seleucid Empire. Its monuments, styles, and linguistic traditions bore clear Hellenistic influences. It later served as the capital of Arachosia, a satrapy of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.

With the arrival of Islam in the 7th Century and the formation of the Ahmad Shah Durrani Empire in the 18th Century, Kandahar City underwent significant architectural and cultural transformations. Its period under Durrani was one of peace, intellect, and cultural dynamism, a time when Kandahar came to be known as the ‘cradle of Afghan culture.’

Why It’s Important to Afghan History

The Old Kandahar City Ruins hold vital importance in the tapestry of Afghan history. It represents Afghanistan’s cultural evolution, from the influence of the Greek empire to the era of Islamic impact. This influence can be discerned in the architecture, art, and traditions that have been preserved in the ruins.

Moreover, Kandahar served as the capital during the Durrani Dynasty, which is perceived as the foundation of modern Afghanistan. The city witnessed the birth of a united Afghan Empire and was home to scholars and influencers who contributed to Afghanistan’s cultural narrative during this period.

Why to Visit Old Kandahar City Ruins

Visiting Old Kandahar City Ruins is akin to setting foot in a time machine. The ruins’ architectural beauty, bearing hints of Greek influence mixed with classic Islamic motifs, is captivating. The grandeur of mosques, markets, and residential structures, though now in ruins, unfolds a story of unparalleled historical richness.

The scenic surroundings add to the allure. The city, encircled by orchards and fragrant pomegranate groves, offers a romantic backdrop. Visitors can relish the aura of an era where empires collided, cultures merged, and history was sculpted.

• The sight of Alexander the Great’s footprints in the form of Greek-inspired edifices.
• The magnificent city walls, built by Emperor Babur in the 16th century.
• The Chilzina, a rock-cut shrine that draws devotees and historians alike.
• The iconic Red Mosque, a symbol of Afghanistan’s Islamic heritage.
• The local bazaar offers a taste of Kandahar’s hustle and bustle.

Situated in Kandahar Province, the ruins are easily accessible from multiple cities. The site is perfect to visit year-round, but a trip between March and May offers the most pleasant weather.

Cultural & Tourist Significance

Old Kandahar City Ruins are more than an archaeological site; they hold a high cultural and tourist significance. As the beating heart of Kandahar, the city’s ethos is reflected in its ruins. The stories echo in the walls, marketplaces, and broken minarets, adding a mystic dimension to your visit.

The city was once a bustling hub for traders, artists, and scholars from across the world, making it a melting pot of cultures. Visiting the ruins gives a glimpse of multicultural influences that have shaped Afghanistan’s heritage.

As a tourist, you’ll find the local community welcoming and eager to share their stories. Local guides can provide a more intimate look at the ruins’ history laced with folk tales. A visit here guarantees an enriching cultural exchange.

Interesting Facts

The ruins are home to countless fascinating stories. Legend has it that the city’s name, Kandahar, was inspired by ‘Iskandar’, the name Alexander the Great was known by in this region. A few believe the city was named after the legendary figure, Gandhari from the Indian epic, Mahabharata.

There’s also the story of the elusive ‘Lost Treasure of Ahmad Shah Durrani,’ supposedly buried somewhere in Kandahar. While some believe it’s hidden in the city, others claim it lies under the ruins. And these tales are just the beginning; visitors can discover countless other tales intrinsically linked to the ruins.

Whether you’re a history buff, an aesthete or merely a curious traveler, visiting the Old Kandahar City Ruins is like leafing through the pages of a historical novel and offers a rare glimpse of Afghanistan’s rich past.