Northern Afghanistan: Mazar-e-Sharif to Kunduz

Mazar-e-Sharif, the northernmost city of Afghanistan is the capital of Balkh province, a major trading centre for Karakul fur and traditional Turkmen carpets. The city is famed for its magnificent shrine of Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, the Fourth Caliph of Islam. The present shrine was built during the reign of the Timurid Sultan Hussain Baiqara in 1481. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year, especially on Naw Ruz, the Muslim New Year. The original decorations are long since lost but recent repairs have restored it to its former glory. Family members of Emir Dost Muhammad Khan who reigned from 1826-1863 are also buried here, including his son Mohammad Akbar Khan, who was of great influence during the first Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842).

Kunduz is a town to the east of Mazar, on the road to Kabul and the gateway to the northeastern province of Badakhshan. It was also the scene of heavy fighting during the recent wars.

The inhabitants of both Mazar and Kunduz are mainly Uzbeks, a Turkic people who also form the majority in neighbouring Uzbekistan.

	Tomb of Ali	Entrance, Tomb of Ali	Pigeons near shrine	Old man on market
	Blacksmiths at work	Blacksmith workshop	Open butcher's shop	Winnowing the grain
	Town square, Kunduz	Grinding salt	Camels in Kunduz	Barber in Kunduz

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