Balkh

Balkh, one of the oldest cities in the world, is known as the "Mother of Cities" due to its immense historical significance. It was a major center of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and later Islam, shaping the region’s spiritual and cultural development. Balkh’s ruins, including fortresses, ancient mosques, and Buddhist stupas, reflect its past as a hub of learning and trade along the Silk Road. The city is also the birthplace of Rumi, the great Persian poet, adding to its literary and philosophical legacy. Today, Balkh remains a destination for those seeking to explore the deep roots of Afghan history.