Kandahar, Administrative center in southern Afghanistan
Kandahar is a large city in the province of the same name in southern Afghanistan, situated at roughly 1000 meters above sea level along the Tarnak River. The urban area stretches over several kilometers and forms the country's second-largest population center with residential neighborhoods, commercial streets, and public squares.
Alexander the Great founded a settlement here in 330 BC called Alexandria in Arachosia, which served as a military outpost. Over the centuries the name shifted through Persian and local influences, while the settlement experienced repeated changes of rule and eventually grew into a regional power center.
The name likely stems from the ancient designation Alexandria, which evolved through centuries of linguistic shifts. Today inhabitants move through an urban fabric shaped by traditional markets, teahouses, and narrow lanes where daily life unfolds between craft and commerce.
Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport sits outside the center and offers connections to other Afghan cities, while several overland highways allow arrival from different directions. Travelers should inform themselves in advance about current security conditions and entry requirements, as the situation often changes.
The area is known for exceptionally aromatic pomegranates and grapes, which are sold in local markets and exported via trade routes to neighboring countries. These fruits have long been considered especially sweet and juicy, a quality attributed to the climatic conditions and centuries-old cultivation tradition.
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