Ghazni

Capital of Ghazni province, east-central Afghanistan, lying on the Ghazni River in a plateau region 2,225 m/7,300 ft above sea level; population (2001 est) 37,900. It is the only surviving walled city in Afghanistan. Ghazni lies on the ancient trade route between India and Iran and on the main road from Kabul to Kandahar. It is a commercial centre for the produce of the surrounding area, including wool, furs, hides and skins, cereals, and fruit.

A tall citadel dating from the 13th century occupies a commanding position in the city and nearby are the ruins of the previous settlement Ghazna, which include the tomb of amir and first sultan of Ghazni, Mahmud of Ghazni, and twin towers, 43 m/150 ft high, built by this powerful ruler and his son.

The city is believed to have originated in the 7th century, and in the 11th century, during the reign of Mahmud of Ghazni, it became the capital of a great empire, including the Punjab, ruled by the first Muslim dynasty of Afghanistan, the Ghaznavids. After 1150 the city was ruled successively by Ghurid, Mongol, and Turkic conquerors. It was taken in 1504 by the Indian Moguls and held by them until 1747, when it became part of a new Afghan kingdom.