Showing 1-6 of 6 results
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Ahmed Shah Durrani Mausoleum
The resting place of the founder of modern-day Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Durrani, is at the rear of the Mosque of the Sacred Cloak. The octagonal shaped, richly decorated Mausoleum is somewhat overshadowed by the Mosque.
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Baba Wali Shrine
Sitting on the banks of the Arghandab River is the Baba Wali Shrine, also known as Baba Sahib by Kandaharis. Gul Agha Sherzai, the twice-former Governor of Kandahar, fierce warlord and former Mujahideen commander constructed the shrine at a cost of millions of dollars to honour one of his revered tribesmen. It provides a great view to the verdant Arghandab Valley, which is in stark contrast to the rest of the dusty province. The multi-level shrine, marble and mirror-clad, set into a hillside is a popular picnic place for the Kandaharis, with kebabs, hand made ice cream and local fruit juices available from cart vendors.
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Eid Gah Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Afghanistan, Kandahar's Eid Gah Mosque stands at nearly 25m adjacent to the dilapidated Kandahar University. The mosque and the surrounding grounds can accommodate thousands of worshippers with its construction having taken years at a cost of millions - all funded by Mullah Omar. Apart from Eid times local youths use the grounds as cricket pitches, as many of them learned the game whilst growing up in refugee camps in Pakistan. The mullah will show you around and as a courtesy a small donation is customary.
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Mosque of the Hair of the Prophet
Although a little harder to find than the cloak make sure you make the trip to Mosque of the Hair of the Prophet near Charso Chowk in the Old City to see where this Islamic relic lies. The hair from the Prophet's beard is encased by a golden sheath in a casket. Like the cloak you will be unable to see the hair; however the Mosque itself is a peaceful haven from the chaos of the Old City bazaars.
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Mosque of the Sacred Cloak
A cloak worn by the Prophet Mohammed is housed in the Mosque of the Sacred Cloak, by far the city's most valued treasure; the mosque is situated opposite the governor's palace. Ahmed Shah Durrani acquired the cloak along with a hair of the beard of the Prophet from the Amir of Bukhara in 1768. When the Taliban took Kandahar in 1994 Mullah Omar wrapped himself in the cloak in front of thousands of loyal Talibs, giving himself god-like status as Amir Al-Momineen (Commander of the Faithful). As a visitor you will be unable to see the cloak but the building is impressive in itself - ornately decorated with green Helmandi marble, mirrored tile work and gilded archways. Like the Eid Gah mosque a small donation is always appreciated.
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The Forty Steps
One kilometre west of Dand Chowk nestled in a rocky outcrop above the city are The Forty Steps, which are visible from most of Shah-e-Nau. The steps will take you to a small enclave in the mountain guarded by two stone lions. The statues were carved by Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire of India, who took Kandahar in the 16th century. Inside the enclave there is a Persian inscription paying tribute to the conquests of Babur. It's a great place to take the ubiquitous Afghan thermos and drink a cup of green chai while watching the sunrise, but it won't be serene for long as your presence will probably attract an army of kids from the surrounding village.
Showing 1-6 of 6 results
