Ghazni, Historical city in eastern Afghanistan
Ghazni is a fortified city in eastern Afghanistan that spreads along the slopes of a high plateau and is protected by thick walls. The old town extends around a central fortress, while newer districts have grown beyond the historic boundaries.
The settlement reached its height in the 11th century when it became the capital of a large empire and attracted scholars and artists from across the region. In the 13th century, Mongol armies destroyed much of the city, but residents gradually rebuilt it over time.
The place takes its name from an ancient fortress that still shapes how the city looks and how daily life unfolds around it. In the old quarter streets, traders meet to sell carpets and leather goods, while workshops produce traditional metalwork nearby.
The main road running from Kabul to Kandahar passes through the settlement and makes it an important stop for travelers and traders. During winter months, heavy snowfall can complicate access, while spring and autumn offer milder conditions.
Two slender towers rise almost unchanged from medieval times and belong to the few structures of their kind that survived in this region. Visitors can still make out calligraphic inscriptions on their outer walls that have withstood centuries of weather.
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