Mazar-e-Sharif, northern Afghanistan

Mazar-e-Sharif is the capital of Balkh province and Afghanistan’s fourth-largest city with a population of about 380,000. Its name means “Noble Shrine”, a reference to the large, blue-tiled sanctuary and mosque in the centre of the city, known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali or the Blue Mosque. Some Muslims believe that this is the site of the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, the Fourth Caliph of Islam. Ali was assassinated in 661 and buried near Baghdad, but his followers, who feared his grave could be desecrated, took him to the present site where they built a shrine in 1136. This shrine was destroyed by Genghis Khan but rebuilt in 1481 during the reign of the Timurid Sultan Hussain Baiqara. The original decorations are long since lost, but recent repairs have restored it to its former glory, and it is one of the most magnificent examples of Islamic architecture. Mazar is therefore considered a sacred city and a place of pilgrimage, especially on Naw Ruz, the Muslim New Year. 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 significant influence during the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842).

The magnificent shrine dedicated to Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and Fourth Caliph of Islam, who is alleged to be buried here.

Thousands of white pigeons make their home near the shrine of Ali, the Fourth Caliph. The women's dress identifies them as Turkmen, like in neighbouring Turkmenistan.

The original horsepower is still very important so outfitting horses with new shoes is a routine operation.

Beating the iron while it's hot in a smithy in Mazar. The boy in the background operates the bellows to blow air on the fire.

Beating the iron while it's hot in a smithy in Mazar. The man in the background operates the bellows to blow air on the fire.

A smith's workshop in a back street of Mazar. The boys help by operating the large bellows in the background. Children often have to work at an early age.

Beating a metal bar into shape in one of the many workshops around the city.

Waiting for customers in a market place in Mazar. There are orchards, producing good quality vegetables and fruits in this region.

Preparing minced meat and onions for a stew outside one of the many small eating places in Mazar.

A teacher and his students in a small school, open to the street, in Mazar-e-Sharif. These boys were later heard chanting passages from the holy Qur'an.

The village of Kholm, east of Mazar-e-Sharif, in the north of Afghanistan near the Uzbek border.