Balkh Province, Northern province of Afghanistan
Balkh is a province in northern Afghanistan where Tajiks, Uzbeks, and other groups live together. The region includes several towns and settlements spread across different areas, with Mazar-e-Sharif as its main city.
The area was once a central hub of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, controlling trade routes between the Far East and Mediterranean. This strategic position shaped the region for many centuries afterward.
The province contains multiple ethnic groups including Tajiks, Hazaras, Pashtuns, Uzbeks, and Turkmen, each contributing to the regional Persian-speaking society.
Visitors should know that most roads are only passable during certain seasons, with weather limiting access during winter months. Urban areas have electricity, but travel planning should account for variable local conditions throughout the year.
Balkh University ranks as one of the country's largest institutions and draws students from across the region. The province's education system includes many primary and secondary schools serving young students throughout the area.
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