Kandahar

This article is about the city in Afghanistan. For other uses, see Kandahar (disambiguation).

City in Afghanistan

Kandahar کندهار Gandahar
City
From top: Aerial view near the city; Aerial view of the old city; Mausoleum of Baba Wali Kandahari
Kandahar Location in Afghanistan
Coordinates: 31°37′N 65°43′E / 31.617°N 65.717°E / 31.617; 65.717Coordinates: 31°37′N 65°43′E / 31.617°N 65.717°E / 31.617; 65.717
Country	Afghanistan
Province	Kandahar
District	Kandahar
Government
• Mayor	Rokhan Wolasmal
Area
• Total	273.37 km2 (105.55 sq mi)
Elevation	1,010 m (3,310 ft)
Population (2015)
• Total	557,118[1]
Time zone	UTC+4:30 (Afghanistan Standard Time)
Website	www.kandahar.gov.af

Kandahār (/ˈkændəˌhɑːr/) or Qandahār (Pashto: کندهار‎; Dari: قندهار‎; known in older literature as Gandahar) is the second-largest city in Afghanistan, with a population of about 557,118.^[1] Kandahar is located in the south of the country on the Arghandab River, at an elevation of 1,010 m (3,310 ft). It is the capital of Kandahar Province, and also the center of the larger cultural region called Loy Kandahar. In 1709, Mirwais Hotak made the region an independent kingdom and turned Kandahar into the capital of the Hotak dynasty. In 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani, founder of the Durrani dynasty, made Kandahar the capital of the Afghan Empire.^[2][3]

Kandahar is one of the most culturally significant cities of the Pashtuns and has been their traditional seat of power for more than 300 years. It is a major trading center for sheep, wool, cotton, silk, felt, food grains, fresh and dried fruit, and tobacco. The region produces fine fruits, especially pomegranates and grapes, and the city has plants for canning, drying, and packing fruit, and is a major source of marijuana and hashish en route to Tajikistan.

The region around Kandahar is one of the oldest known human settlements. A major fortified city existed at the site of Kandahar, probably as early as c. 1000-750 BCE,^[4] and it became an important outpost of the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire in the 6th century BCE.^[5]Alexander the Great had laid-out the foundation of what is now Old Kandahar in the 4th century BC and gave it the Ancient Greek name Αλεξάνδρεια Aραχωσίας (Alexandria of Arachosia). Many empires have long fought over the city due to its strategic location along the trade routes of southern, central and western Asia. Since the 1978 Marxist revolution, the city has been a magnet for groups such as Haqqani network, Quetta Shura, Hezbi Islami, al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. From late-1996 to 2001, it served as the de facto capital of the Taliban government until the Taliban were overthrown by US-led NATO forces during Operation Enduring Freedom in late-2001 and replaced by the government of President Hamid Karzai.

Contents

• 
  1 Name
  


• 
  2 History
  
  
  
  • 
    2.1 Prehistory
    
  
  
  • 
    2.2 Alexandria
    
  
  
  • 
    2.3 Islamization and Mongol invasion
    
  
  
  • 
    2.4 Modern history
    
  
  
  • 
    2.5 21st century
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  3 Geography
  
  
  
  • 
    3.1 Land Use
    
  
  
  • 
    3.2 Climate
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  4 Transport
  


• 
  5 Education
  


• 
  6 Communications
  


• 
  7 Places of interest
  


• 
  8 Development and modernization
  
  
  
  • 
    8.1 Airports
    
  
  
  • 
    8.2 Neighborhoods
    
  
  
  • 
    8.3 Cultural sites and parks
    
  
  
  • 
    8.4 Mosques and Shrines
    
  
  
  • 
    8.5 Mausoleums
    
  
  
  • 
    8.6 Shopping
    
  
  
  • 
    8.7 Restaurants
    
  
  
  • 
    8.8 Hotels and guest houses
    
  
  
  • 
    8.9 Hospitals
    
  
  
  • 
    8.10 Banks
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  9 Sports
  
  
  
  • 
    9.1 Stadium
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  10 Demography and culture
  


• 
  11 Notable people from Kandahar
  


• 
  12 See also
  


• 
  13 Footnotes
  


• 
  14 References
  


• 
  15 Further reading
  


• 
  16 External links
  

Name

One hypothesis of the name suggests that "Kandahar" has evolved from "Iskandar", the local dialect version of the name Alexander, after Alexander the Great who founded the city in 330 BC and named it Alexandria in Arachosia.^[6]

A folk etymology offered is that the word "kand" or "qand" in Persian and Pashto (the local languages) means "candy". The name "Candahar" or "Kandahar" in this form probably translates to candy area. This probably has to do with the location being fertile and historically known for producing fine grapes, pomegranates, apricots, melons and other sweet fruits.^{[2][not in citation given]}

Ernst Herzfeld claimed Kandahar perpetuated the name of the Indo-Parthian king Gondophares, who re-founded the city under the name Gundopharron.^[7] An alternative etymology derives the name of the city from Gandhara,^[8] the name of an ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom located along the Kabul and Swat rivers of northern Afghanistan and Pakistan;^[9] Kandahar is not in the former territory of Gandhara, however the territory covered a large portion of southern Afghanistan.^[10]

History

Part of a series on the
History of Afghanistan
Timeline
Ancient Indus Valley Civilisation 2200–1800 BC Oxus civilization 2100–1800 BC Aryans 1700–700 BC Median Empire 728–550 BC Achaemenid Empire 550–330 BC Seleucid Empire 330–150 BC Maurya Empire 305–180 BC Greco-Bactrian Kingdom 256–125 BC Parthian Empire 247 BC–224 AD Indo-Greek Kingdom 180–130 BC Indo-Scythian Kingdom 155–80? BC Kushan Empire 135 BC – 248 AD Indo-Parthian Kingdom 20 BC – 50? AD Sasanian Empire 230–651 Kidarite Kingdom 320–465 Alchon Huns 380–560 Hephthalite Empire 410–557 Nezak Huns 484–711
Medieval Kabul Shahi 565–879 Principality of Chaghaniyan 7th–8th centuries Rashidun Caliphate 652–661 Umayyads 661–750 Abbasids 750–821 Tahirids 821–873 Saffarids 863–900 Samanids 875–999 Ghaznavids 963–1187 Ghurids before 879–1215 Seljuks 1037–1194 Khwarezmids 1215–1231 Qarlughids 1224–1266 Ilkhanate 1258–1353 Chagatai Khanate 1225–1370 Khaljis 1290–1320 Karts 1245–1381 Timurids 1370–1507 Arghuns 1520–1591
Modern Mughals 1501–1738 Safavids 1510–1709 Hotak dynasty 1709–1738 Afsharid dynasty 1738–1747 Durrani Empire 1747–1806 Sikh Empire 1806-1849 Emirate of Afghanistan 1826–1919 Kingdom of Afghanistan 1919–1973 Republic of Afghanistan 1973–1978 Democratic Republic of Afghanistan 1978–1992 Islamic State of Afghanistan 1992–2001 Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan 1996–2004 Interim/Transitional Administration 2001–2004 Islamic Republic of Afghanistan since 2004
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Prehistory

Further information: Pre-Islamic period of Afghanistan

Excavations of prehistoric sites by archaeologists such as Louis Dupree and others suggest that the region around Kandahar is one of the oldest human settlements known so far.

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Early peasant farming villages came into existence in Afghanistan ca. 5000 B.C., or 7000 years ago. Deh Morasi Ghundai, the first prehistoric site to be excavated in Afghanistan, lies 27 km (17 mi) southwest of Kandahar (Dupree, 1951). Another Bronze Age village mound site with multiroomed mud-brick buildings dating from the same period sits nearby at Said Qala (J. Shaffer, 1970). Second millennium B.C. Bronze Age pottery, copper and bronze horse trappings and stone seals were found in the lowermost levels in the nearby cave called Shamshir Ghar (Dupree, 1950). In the Seistan, southwest of these Kandahar sites, two teams of American archaeologists discovered sites relating to the 2nd millennium B.C. (G. Dales, University Museum, University of Pennsylvania, 1969, 1971; W, Trousdale, Smithsonian Institution, 1971 – 76). Stylistically the finds from Deh Morasi and Said Qala tie in with those of pre-Indus Valley sites and with those of comparable age on the Iranian Plateau and in Central Asia, indicating cultural contacts during this very early age.^[11]

— N. Dupree, 1971

British excavations in the 1970s discovered that Kandahar existed as a large fortified city during the early 1st millennium BCE; while this earliest period at Kandahar has not been precisely dated via radiocarbon, ceramic comparisons with the latest period at the major Bronze Age city of Mundigak have suggested an approximate time-frame of 1000 to 750 BCE.^[4] This fortified city became an important outpost of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, and formed part of the province of Arachosia.^[5]

Alexandria

Further information: Alexandria in Arachosia

The now "Old Kandahar" was founded in 330 BC by Alexander the Great, near the site of the ancient city of Mundigak (established around 3000 BC). Mundigak served as the provincial capital of Arachosia and was ruled by the Medes followed by the Achaemenids until the arrival of the Greeks from Macedonia. The main inhabitants of Arachosia were the Pactyans,^[12] an ancient Iranian tribe, who may be among the ancestors of today's Pashtuns. Kandahar was named Alexandria, a name given to cities that Alexander founded during his conquests.^[13]

Kandahar has been a frequent target for conquest because of its strategic location in Southern Asia, controlling the main trade route linking the Indian subcontinent with the Middle East and Central Asia.^[14] The territory became part of the Seleucid Empire after the death of Alexander. It is mentioned by Strabo that a treaty of friendship was established eventually between the Greeks and the Mauryans (Indians).^[15][16] The city eventually became part of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (250 BC-125 BC), and continued that way for two hundred years under the later Indo-Greek Kingdom (180 BC – 10 CE). King Menander I (165 BC – 135 BC) of the Indo-Greek Kingdom practiced Greco-Buddhism and is recorded by the Mahavamsa (Chap. XXIX^[17]) to have sent "a Greek ("Yona") Buddhist head monk" named Mahadharmaraksita (literally translated as 'Great Teacher/Preserver of the Dharma') with 30,000 Buddhist monks from "the Greek city of Alasandra" (possibly Alexandria in Arachosia, as Kandhar was known under the Greeks) to Sri Lanka for the dedication of Great Stupa Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura.

Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription (Greek and Aramaic) by Emperor Ashoka, from Chilzina in Kandahar, 3rd century BC.

While the Diadochi were warring amongst themselves, the Mauryans were developing in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. The founder of the empire, Chandragupta Maurya, confronted a Macedonian invasion force led by Seleucus I in 305 BC and following a brief conflict, an agreement was reached as Seleucus ceded Gandhara and Arachosia and areas south of Bagram to the Mauryans. During the 120 years of the Mauryans in southern Afghanistan, Buddhism was introduced and eventually become a major religion alongside Zoroastrianism and local pagan beliefs. The ancient Grand Trunk Road was built linking what is now Kabul to various cities in the Punjab and the Gangetic Plain. Commerce, art, and architecture (seen especially in the construction of stupas) developed during this period. It reached its high point under the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka whose edicts, roads, and rest stops were found throughout the subcontinent. Although the vast majority of them throughout the subcontinent were written in Prakrit, Afghanistan is notable for the inclusion of 2 Greek and Aramaic ones alongside the court language of the Mauryans.

Inscriptions made by Emperor Ashoka, a fragment of Edict 13 in Greek, as well as a full Edict, written in both Greek and Aramaic has been discovered in Kandahar. It is said to be written in excellent Classical Greek, using sophisticated philosophical terms. In this Edict, Ashoka uses the word Eusebeia ("Piety") as the Greek translation for the ubiquitous "Dharma" of his other Edicts written in Prakrit.

The last ruler in the region was probably Subhagasena (Sophagasenus of Polybius), who, in all probability, belonged to the Ashvaka (q.v.) background.

Islamization and Mongol invasion

Further information: Islamic conquest of Afghanistan

A miniature from Padshahnama depicting the surrender of the Shi'a Safavid garrison at what is now Old Kandahar in 1638 to the Mughal army of Shah Jahan commanded by Kilij Khan.

In the 7th century AD, Arab armies conquered the region with the new religion of Islam but were unable to succeed in fully converting the population. The leader of the expedition that conquered the city was Abbad ibn Ziyad, who governed Sijistan between 673 and 681.^[18] In AD 870, Yaqub ibn Layth Saffari, a local ruler of the Saffarid dynasty, conquered Kandahar and the rest of the nearby regions in the name of Islam.

It is believed that the Zunbil dynasty, who were related to the Shahi dynasty of Kabul, were probably the rulers of the Kandahar region from the 7th century until the late 9th century AD.^[19] Kandahar was taken by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century followed by the Ghurids of Ghor. The region was invaded in the 13th century by Genghis Khan and his Mongol armies, who caused destruction but did not settle. It became part of the lands of the Timurids from the 14th century to the 15th century, a dynasty founded by Timur (Tamerlane) that began rebuilding cities and towns. Kandahar was described by Ibn Battuta in 1333 as a large and prosperous town three nights journey from Ghazni.^[20]Pir Muhammad, a grandson of Tamerlane, held the seat of government in Kandahar from about 1383 until his death in 1407. Following his death, the city was ruled by other Timurid governors. Kandahar was entrusted to the Arghuns in the late 15th century, who eventually achieved independence from the Timurids. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have visited the town (c. 1521 AD) during his important journey between Hindustan and Mecca in Arabia.

Tamerlane's descendant, Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, annexed Kandahar in 1508. In 1554, Babur's son, Humayun, handed it over to the Safavid Shah Tahmasp in return of 70,000 soldiers he received from the Shah to reconquer India. In 1595, Humayun's son Akbar the Great conquered the city by diplomacy. Akbar died in 1605 and when this news reached the Persian court, Shah Abbas ordered his army to besiege the city which continued until early 1606 and finally failed due to the reinforcements send by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir forced the Safavid retreat. In the Mughal–Safavid War, Kandahar was once again lost to the Safavids. Kandahar was regarded as important to the Mughal Empire because it was one of the gateways to India, and Mughal control over Kandahar helped to prevent foreign intrusions.^[21]

The memory of the wars fought over Kandahar at this time is preserved in the epic poem Qandahār-nāma ("The Campaign Against Qandahār"), a major work of Saib Tabrizi which is a classic of Persian literature.

Modern history

Further information: Hotak dynasty and Durrani Empire

This lithograph is taken from plate 23 of Afghaunistan by Lieutenant James Rattray, 1848. He sketched Kandahar in December 1841 from the rooftop of the former residence of the province's governor, Sirdar Meer Dil Khaun, who was brother to the Emir. Pictured on the left is the tomb of Ahmed Shah Durrani and on the right the Bala Hissar (fort) and citadel. The houses in the foreground were dilapidated due to frequent earthquakes.

Mirwais Hotak, chief of the Ghilji tribe, revolted in 1709 by killing Gurgin Khan, an ethnic Georgian subject and governor of the Shia Safavid Persians. After establishing the Hotak dynasty in Kandahar, Mirwais and his army successfully defeated subsequent expeditions by Kay Khusraw and Rustam Khán. Mirwais resisted attempts by the Persian government who were seeking to convert the Afghans from Sunni to the Shia sect of Islam. He died of a natural death in November 1715 and was succeeded by his brother Abdul Aziz, but after being suspected of giving Kandahar's sovereignty back to the Persians he was killed by his nephew Mahmud Hotak.^[22][23]

Painting by Abdul Ghafoor Breshna depicting the 1747 coronation of Ahmad Shah Durrani, who is regarded as the founding father of Afghanistan (Father of the Nation).

British and allied forces at Kandahar after the 1880 Battle of Kandahar, during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The large defensive wall around the city was finally removed in the early 1930s by the order of King Nader Khan, the father of King Zahir Shah.

In 1722, Mahmud led an army of Afghans to the Safavid capital Isfahan and proclaimed himself King of Persia. The Hotak dynasty was eventually removed from power by a new Persian ruler, Nader Shah Afshar of Mashad in Khorasan. In 1738, Nader Shah invaded Afghanistan and destroyed the now Old Kandahar, which was held by Hussain Hotak and his Ghilji tribes.^[24] In the meantime, Nader Shah freed Ahmad Khan (later Ahmad Shah Durrani) and his brother Zulfikar who were held prisoners by the Hotak ruler. Before leaving southern Afghanistan for Delhi in India, Nader Shah laid out the foundation for a new town to be built next to the destroyed ancient city, naming it "Naderabad". His rule ended in June 1747 after being murdered by his Persian guards.^[25]

Ahmad Shah Durrani, chief of the Durrani tribe, gained control of Kandahar and made it the capital of his new Afghan Empire in October 1747. Previously, Ahmad Shah served as a military commander of Nader Shah Afshar. His empire included present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Khorasan and Kohistan provinces of Iran, along with Punjab in India. In October 1772, Ahmad Shah retired and died from a natural cause.^[26] A new city was laid out by Ahmad Shah and is dominated by his mausoleum, which is adjacent to the Mosque of the Cloak in the center of the city. By 1776, his eldest son Timur Shah had transferred Afghanistan's main capital from Kandahar to Kabul, where the Durrani legacy continued.^[11]

In September 1826, Syed Ahmad Shaheed's followers arrived to Kandahar in search of volunteers to help them wage jihad against the Sikh invaders to what is now Pakistan. Led by Ranjit Singh, the Sikhs had captured several of Afghanistan's territories in the east, including what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir. More than 400 local Kandahar warriors assembled themselves for the jihad. Sayed Din Mohammad Kandharai was appointed as their leader.

British-led Indian forces from neighbouring British India invaded the city in 1839, during the First Anglo-Afghan War, but withdrew in 1842. The British and Indian forces returned in 1878 during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. They emerged from the city in July 1880 to confront the forces of Ayub Khan, but were defeated at the Battle of Maiwand. They were again forced to withdraw a few years later, despite winning the Battle of Kandahar.

Kandahar remained peaceful for the next 100 years, except during 1929 when loyalists of Habibullah Kalakani (Bache Saqqaw) placed the fortified city on lock-down and began torturing its population. Nobody was allowed to enter or leave from within the city's tall defensive walls, and as a result of this many people suffered after running out of food supplies. This lasted until October 1929 when Nadir Khan and his Afghan army came to eliminate Kalakani, known as the Tajik bandit from the village of Kalakan in northern Kabul Province.

Mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak

During Zahir Shah's rule, the city slowly began expanding by adding modern style streets and housing schemes. In the 1960s, during the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, Kandahar International Airport was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers next to the city. The U.S. also completed several other major projects in Kandahar and in other parts of southern Afghanistan. In the meantime, Soviet engineers were busy building major infrastructures in other parts of the country, such as Bagram Airfield and Kabul International Airport.

During the 1980s Soviet–Afghan War, Kandahar witnessed heavy fighting as it became a center of resistance as the mujahideen forces waged a strong guerrilla warfare against the Soviet-backed government, who tightly held on control of the city. Government and Soviet troops surrounded the city and subjected it to heavy air bombardment in which many civilians lost lives.^[27] In January 1982 indiscriminate shelling and bombing by the Soviets killed hundreds.^[28][29] 300 civilians were killed during Soviet bombings in July 1984.^[30] Kandahar International Airport was used by the Soviet Army during their ten-year troop placement in the country. The city also became a battle ground for the US and Pakistani-backed against the pro-Communist government of Afghanistan. After the Soviet withdrawal and the collapse of Najibullah's government in 1992, Kandahar fell to local mujahideen commander, Gul Agha Sherzai. However Sherzai lacked authority against other local commanders which led to lawlessness in the city.^[31]

In August 1994 the Taliban movement captured Kandahar from commander Mullah Naqib almost without a fight,^[32] and turned the city to its capital. The Taliban introduced a strict form of sharia law, banning formal education for boys and girls, including watching TV, films, music, and playing sports. In December 1999, a hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 plane by Pakistani militants loyal to Harkat-ul-Mujahideen landed at Kandahar International Airport and kept the passengers hostage as part of a demand to release 3 Pakistani militants from prison in India.

21st century

Further information: International Security Assistance Force and Presidency of Hamid Karzai

U.S. Army troops in 2009 passing by the starting point of the Army Ten-Miler run at their base next to Kandahar International Airport.

In October 2001, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the United States Navy began hitting targets inside the city by precision-guided cruise missiles that were fired from the Persian Gulf. These targets were the airport and buildings that were occupied by the Taliban, including Arab families who had arrived several years earlier and were residing in the area.^[33] About a month later, the Taliban began surrendering in mass numbers to a private militia that had been formed by Gul Agha Sherzai and Hamid Karzai.^[34] Kandahar once again fell into the hands of Sherzai, who had control over the area before the rise of the Taliban. He was transferred in 2003 and replaced by Yousef Pashtun until Asadullah Khalid took the post in 2005. The current Governor of the province is Toryalai Wesa. He was appointed by President Hamid Karzai in December 2008 after Rahmatullah Raufi's four-month rule.

Afghan National Security Forces and members of ISAF providing security in 2012.

As of 2002, Kandahar International Airport is used by members of the United States armed forces and NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). NATO began training the newly formed Afghan National Police and are now given the security responsibility of the city. The military of Afghanistan, backed by NATO forces, has gradually expanded its authority and presence throughout most of the country. The 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army is based at Kandahar and provides military assistance to the south of the country. The Canadian Forces maintain their military command headquarters at Kandahar, heading the Regional Command South of the NATO led International Security Assistance Force in Kandahar Province. The Taliban also have supporters inside the city reporting on events.^[35]

NATO forces expanded the Afghan police force for the prevention of a Taliban comeback in Kandahar, the militants' "spiritual birthplace" and a strategic key to ward off the Taliban insurgency, as a part of a larger effort that also aimed to deliver services such as electricity and clean drinking water that the Taliban could not provide – encouraging support for the government in a city that was once the Taliban's headquarters. The most significant battle between NATO troops and the Taliban lasted throughout the summer of 2006, culminating in Operation Medusa. The Taliban failed to defeat the Western troops in open warfare, which marked a turn in their tactics towards IED emplacement.^[36] In June 2008, it was reported that over 1,000 inmates had escaped from Sarposa prison. In Spring 2010, the province and the city of Kandahar became a target of American operations following Operation Moshtarak in the neighboring Helmand Province.^[37] In March 2010, U.S. and NATO commanders released details of plans for the biggest offensive of the war against the Taliban insurgency.^[38]

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker and Toryalai Wesa, the Governor of Kandahar Province.

In May 2010 Kandahar International Airport became subject of a combined rocket and ground attack by insurgents, following similar attacks on Kabul and Bagram in the preceding weeks. Although this attack did not lead to many casualties on the side of NATO forces, it did show that the militants are still capable of launching multiple, coordinated operations in Afghanistan. In June 2010, a shura was held by Afghan President Hamid Karzai with tribal and religious leaders of the Kandahar region. The meeting highlighted the need for support of NATO-led forces in order to stabilize parts of the province.

By 2011, Kandahar became known as the assassination city of Afghanistan after witnessing many target killings. In July Ahmed Wali Karzai, brother of President Hamid Karzai, was shot by his longtime head of security. Soon after the Quetta Shura of the Taliban claimed responsibility. The next day an Islamic cleric (mulla) of the famous Red Mosque in the Shahr-e Naw area of the city and a number of other people were killed by a Taliban suicide bomber who had hidden explosives inside his turban. On 27 July 2011, the mayor of the city, Ghulam Haider Hamidi, was assassinated by another Taliban militant who had hidden explosives in his turban. Two deputy mayors had been killed in 2010,^[39] while many tribal elders and Islamic clerics have also been assassinated in the last several years.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy network is often blamed as the masterminds behind the Taliban-led insurgency.^[40][41] The Afghan government alleges that the ISI is using the insurgents in the name of Islamic jihad to counter the growing influence of its rival India in Afghanistan and the Afghan claim regarding the disputed Durand Line border.^[42] The overwhelming majority of the victims in the attacks are ordinary Afghan civilians.^[43] On 6 June 2012, at least 21 civilians were killed and 50 others injured when two Taliban suicide bombers on motorcycles blew themselves up in a market area near Kandahar International Airport.^[44]

Geography

The Arghandab River runs along the west of Kandahar. The city has 15 districts and a total land area of 27,337 hectares.^[45] The total number of dwellings in Kandahar is 61,902.^[45]

Land Use

Kabul

Herat

Jalalabad

Kandahar

Mazar-e-Sharif

Farkhor Indian Airbase

Uzbekistan

Zaranj

Quetta

Indian and Pakistani embassy and consulates in Afghanistan in red

Kandahar is the Regional Hub in southern Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.^[45] Non-built up land use accounts for 59% of the total land area.^[45] Within the built-up area, vacant plots occupy a slightly higher percentage of land (36%) than residential land (34%).^[45] There is a significant commercial cluster along the road to Pakistan in District 5.^[45] India, Iran and Pakistan operate their consulate here for trade, military and political links.

Climate

Kandahar has a semi-arid climate (Köppen BWh),^[46] characterised by little precipitation and high variation between summer and winter temperatures. Summers start in mid-May, last until late-September, and are extremely dry. Temperatures peak in July with a 24-hour daily average of around 31.9 °C (89.4 °F). They are followed by dry autumns from early October to late November, with days still averaging in the 20s °C (above 68 °F) into November, though nights are sharply cooler. Winter begins in December and sees most of its precipitation in the form of rain. Temperatures average 5.1 °C (41.2 °F) in January, although lows can drop well below freezing. They end in early-March and are followed by a pleasant spring till late-April with temperatures generally in the upper 10s °C to lower 30s °C (65–88 °F) range. Sunny weather dominates year-round, especially in summer, when rainfall is extremely rare. The annual mean temperature is 18.6 °C (65.5 °F).

Climate data for Kandahar (1964–1983)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	25.0 (77.0)	26.0 (78.8)	36.5 (97.7)	37.1 (98.8)	43.0 (109.4)	45.0 (113.0)	46.5 (115.7)	44.5 (112.1)	41.0 (105.8)	37.5 (99.5)	31.5 (88.7)	26.0 (78.8)	46.5 (115.7)
Average high °C (°F)	12.2 (54.0)	14.8 (58.6)	21.6 (70.9)	28.1 (82.6)	34.1 (93.4)	39.1 (102.4)	40.2 (104.4)	38.2 (100.8)	34.0 (93.2)	27.5 (81.5)	21.0 (69.8)	15.4 (59.7)	27.2 (81.0)
Daily mean °C (°F)	5.1 (41.2)	7.8 (46.0)	13.9 (57.0)	20.2 (68.4)	25.4 (77.7)	30.0 (86.0)	31.9 (89.4)	29.4 (84.9)	23.5 (74.3)	17.5 (63.5)	11.0 (51.8)	7.3 (45.1)	18.6 (65.4)
Average low °C (°F)	0.0 (32.0)	2.4 (36.3)	7.1 (44.8)	12.3 (54.1)	15.8 (60.4)	19.5 (67.1)	22.5 (72.5)	20.0 (68.0)	13.5 (56.3)	8.5 (47.3)	3.3 (37.9)	1.0 (33.8)	10.5 (50.9)
Record low °C (°F)	−12.1 (10.2)	−10.0 (14.0)	−4.8 (23.4)	2.0 (35.6)	2.4 (36.3)	8.5 (47.3)	13.5 (56.3)	9.0 (48.2)	5.2 (41.4)	−2.2 (28.0)	−9.3 (15.3)	−11.4 (11.5)	−12.1 (10.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	54.0 (2.13)	42.0 (1.65)	41.1 (1.62)	18.7 (0.74)	2.2 (0.09)	0 (0)	2.3 (0.09)	1.0 (0.04)	0 (0)	2.3 (0.09)	7.0 (0.28)	20.0 (0.79)	190.6 (7.52)
Average precipitation days	6	6	6	4	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	3	29
Average relative humidity (%)	58	59	50	41	30	23	25	25	24	29	40	52	38
Mean monthly sunshine hours	198.4	183.6	235.6	255.0	347.2	369.0	341.0	337.9	324.0	306.9	264.0	217.0	3,379.6
Source: NOAA (1964–1983)[47]

Transport

Further information: Transport in Afghanistan and Highway 1 (Afghanistan)

View of the airport in 2005

A Kam Air passenger plane at Kandahar International Airport in 2012

Kandahar International Airport serves as southern Afghanistan's main airport for domestic and international flights. It is also used as a major military base as well as shipping and receiving of supplies for the NATO armies. The entire area in and around the airport is heavily guarded but a section is designated for civilian passengers. Most international flights are with Dubai, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.

Pakistan plans to build a railroad track from the Pakistani town of Chaman to Kandahar^[48] which will connect Afghan Railways with Pakistan Railways. The feasibility study was completed in 2006^[49] but as of 2012^[update] no construction work had begun.^[50]

Kandahar is connected to Kabul by the Kabul-Kandahar Highway and to Herat by the Kandahar-Herat Highway. There is a bus station located at the start of the Kabul-Kandahar Highway, where a number of privately owned older-model Mercedes-Benz coach buses are available to take passengers to most major cities of the country. Kandahar is also connected by road to Quetta in neighboring Pakistan. Due to the ongoing war the route to Kabul has become increasingly dangerous as insurgent attacks on convoys and destruction of bridges make it an unreliable link between the two cities.^[51][52]

Commuters of the city use the public bus system (Milli Bus), and taxicabs and rickshaws are common. Private vehicle use is increasing, partially due to road and highway improvements. Large dealerships are importing cars from Dubai, UAE.^[53]

Education

Further information: Education in Afghanistan

Children from the Zarghona Ana High School watch members of Afghan National Security Force and Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team prepare for the Kandahar Nursing and Midwifery Institute grand opening ceremony in 2012.

Before the 1978 coup in Kabul, majority of the city's population were enrolled in schools.^{[citation needed]} Nearly all of the elite class of the city fled to neighboring Pakistan during the early 1980s, and from there they began immigrating to North America, the European Union, Australia and other parts of the world.^{[citation needed]}

The two oldest known schools are Ahmad Shah Baba High School and Zarghona Ana High School. There are a number of new schools that opened in the last decade, with more being built in the future as the city's population grows with the large returning Afghans from neighboring countries. Afghan Turk High Schools is one of the top private schools in the city. The main university is Kandahar University. A number of training centers have also opened in the last decade.^{[citation needed]}

Communications

Further information: Communications in Afghanistan

Telecommunication services in the city are provided by Afghan Wireless, Roshan, Etisalat, MTN Group and Afghan Telecom. In November 2006, the Afghan Ministry of Communications signed a $64.5 million agreement with ZTE for the establishment of a countrywide fiber optical cable network. This was intended to improve telephone, internet, television and radio broadcast services not just in Kandahar but throughout the country.

Besides foreign channels, Afghanistan's local television channels include:

• Ariana TV


• Ariana Afghanistan TV


• Lamar TV


• Shamshad TV


• Tolo TV


• Hewad TV

Places of interest

An 1881 photo showing the ruined Old Kandahar citadel of Shah Hussain Hotak that was destroyed by the Afsharid forces of Nader Shah in 1738. This destroyed fortress is still standing today.

The tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani is located in the city center, which also houses Durrani's brass helmet and other personal items. In front of Durrani's mausoleum is the Shrine of the Cloak, containing one of the most valued relics in the Islamic world, which was given by the Emir of Bokhara (Murad Beg) to Ahmad Shah Durrani. The Sacred Cloak is kept locked away, taken out only at times of great crisis. Mullah Omar took it out in November 1996 and displayed it to a crowd of ulema of religious scholars to have himself declared Amir al-Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful). Prior to that it was taken out when the city was struck by a cholera epidemic in the 1930s.^[54]

The village of Sher Surkh is located southeast of the city, in the suburbs of the old city of Nadirabad. Kandahar Museum is located at the western end of the third block of buildings lining the main road east of Eidgah Durwaza (gate). It has many paintings by the now famous Ghiyassuddin, painted while he was a young teacher in Kandahar. He is acknowledged among Afghanistan's leading artists.

Just to the north of the city, off its northeast corner at the end of buria (matting) bazaar, there is a shrine dedicated to a saint who lived in Kandahar more than 300 years ago. The grave of Hazratji Baba, 7.0 metres (23 ft) long to signify his greatness, but otherwise covered solely by rock chips, is undecorated save for tall pennants at its head. A monument to Islamic martyrs stands in the center of Kandahar's main square, called Da Shahidanu Chawk, which was built in the 1940s.

Ancient city of Old Kandahar (red) and Chilzina mountainous outcrop (blue) on the western side of Kandahar.

The Chilzina is a rock-cut chamber above the plain at the end of the rugged chain of mountains forming the western defence of Kandahar's Old City. This is here that Ashoka's Kandahar Bilingual Rock Inscription was found. Forty steps, about, lead to the chamber, which is guarded by two chained lions, defaced, and inscribed with an account of Moghul conquest. The rugged cliffs from which the Chilzina was hewn form the natural western bastion of the Old City of Kandahar, which was destroyed in 1738 by Nadir Shah Afshar of Persia.

A short distance from Chilzina, going west on the main highway, a bright blue dome appears on the right. This is the mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak, the Ghiljai chieftain who declared Kandahar's independence from the Persians in 1709. The shrine of Baba Wali Kandhari^[55] (Baba Sahib), its terraces shaded by pomegranate groves beside the Arghandab River, is also very popular for picnics and afternoon outings.^[11] He was Muslim pir who had a strange encounter with Guru Nanak at Hasan Abdal in what is now Attock District of Pakistan. The shrine of Baba Wali is important to Muslims and Sikhs. Close to Baba Wali's shrine is a military base established by the United States armed forces in about 2007.

Development and modernization

The original model plan of the Aino Mina neighborhood, which began in 2003 by Mahmud Karzai and associates.^[56]

Decades of war left Kandahar and the rest of the country destroyed and depopulated, but in recent years billions of dollars began pouring in for construction purposes and millions of expats have returned to Afghanistan. New neighborhoods have been established around the city, and a number of modern-style buildings have been constructed.

Some residents of the city have access to clean drinking water and electricity, and the government is working to extend these services to every home.^[57] The city relies on electricity from the Kajaki hydroelectricity plant in neighboring Helmand, which is being upgraded or expanded. About 30 km (20 mi) north of the city is the Dahla Dam, the second largest dam in Afghanistan.

The Aino Mina is a new housing project for up to two million people on the northern edge of the city.^[58] Originally called the Kandahar Valley and started by Mahmud Karzai,^[56] it was announced that the project would build up to 20,000 single-family homes and associated infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and community buildings, including schools.^[59]

It recently won 2 awards, the Residential Project and Sustainable Project of the Year at the Middle East Architect Awards.^[60] Many of the high-ranking government employees and civil servants as well as wealthy businessmen live in this area, which is a more secured community in Kandahar. Work on the next $100 million scheme was initiated in 2011.

Also, construction of Hamidi Township in the Morchi Kotal area of the city began in August 2011. It is named after Ghulam Haider Hamidi, the mayor of Kandahar who was assassinated by militants in late July 2011.^[61] Situated along the Kandahar-Uruzgan Highway in the northeast of the city, the new township will have 2,000 residential and commercial plots. Including new roads, schools, commercial markets, clinics, canals and other facilities.^[62]

About 10 km (6 mi) east of Kandahar, a huge industrial park is under construction with modern facilities. The park will have professional management for the daily maintenance of public roads, internal streets, common areas, parking areas, 24 hours perimeter security, access control for vehicles and persons.^[63]

The mausoleum of Baba Wali Kandhari^[55] next to the Arghandab Valley, in the northern outskirts of the city.

The mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani in the center of the city, which also serves as the Congregational Mosque and contains a sacred cloak that used to be worn by Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

Al-Jadeed indoor shopping center in the Shahre Naw section of the city.

Local children watching a football match at the playground of Ahmad Shah Baba High School.

Arghandab Valley

Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani

Governor's Mansion

Airports

• Kandahar International Airport

Neighborhoods

• 
  Aino Meyna (under development since 2003)


• Hamidi Meyna (under development since 2011)


• 
  Share Naw (meaning New City)


• Dand


• Karz


• Mirwais Meyna


• Daman


• Sarpuza


• Malajat


• 
  Old Kandahar (Zorr Shar)


• Arghandab Valley

Cultural sites and parks

• 
  Kandahar Park [2]
  


• Baba Saab


• Kokaran Park


• Baghi Pul Park [3]
  


• Chilzina View (Moghul Emperor Babur's inscription site)


• Kandahar Museum

Mosques and Shrines

• Friday Mosque of Kandahar


• Shrine of the Cloak


• Mosque of the Hair of the Prophet


• Mosque at Kandahar University (Eidgah Jaami Jumat)


• Red Mosque

Mausoleums

• Mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani
  


• Mausoleum of Mirwais Hotak
  


• Mausoleum of Baba Wali

Shopping

• Al-Jadeed indoor shopping center [4]
  


• Herat Bazaar
  


• Kabul Bazaar


• Shah Bazaar


• Shkar Pur Bazaar


• Piaroz Super store


• Kandahr Super Store


• Samimi Super Store

Restaurants

• Lamar Restaurant


• Mumtaz Restaurant


• Kandahar Coffee Shop

Hotels and guest houses

• Continental Guest House


• Armani Pashtun Kasi Hotel


• Maulvi nasar hotel kabul darwaza.

Hospitals

• Afghan National Army Regional Hospital


• Mirwais Hospital


• Sial Curative Hospital


• Bilal Hospital


• Momand Hospital


• Sydal Hospital

Banks

• AIB Bank


• Kabul Bank


• Azizi Bank

Sports

Professional sports teams from Kandahar

Club	League	Sport	Venue	Established
Kandahar Knights	Afghanistan Premier League	Cricket	Sharjah Cricket Stadium	2018
Boost Defenders	Shpageeza Cricket League	Cricket	Kandahar International Cricket Stadium	2013
De Maiwand Atalan F.C.	Afghan Premier League	Football	Ghazi Stadium	2012

Stadium

• 
  Kandahar International Cricket Stadium (under construction [5])


• 
  Kandahar Stadium used for football[6]
  

Demography and culture

Further information: Demographics of Afghanistan

A gathering of tribal and religious leaders following a shura held by Afghan President Hamid Karzai in June 2010 to start a dialogue for peace with the Taliban.

The population of Kandahar numbers approximately 491,500 as of 2012^[update].^[64] The Pashtuns make up the overwhelming majority population of the city and province but exact figures are not available. In a 2003 estimate by the National Geographic, Pashtuns were put at ca. 70%, Tajiks 20%, Baloch 2%, and Uzbeks 2%.^[65]

Pashto serves as the main language in the city and the region. Persian is also understood by a fair number of the city dwellers, especially those serving in the government and the educated Afghans. Both are the official languages of Afghanistan. A 2006 compendium of provincial data prepared by the Afghan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development and United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) states:

"The major ethnic group living in Khandahar province is Pashtoons. This includes major tribes such as Barakzai, Popalzai, Alkozai, Niazi and Alezai. Pashtu is spoken by more than 98% of population and in more than 98% of villages. Dari is spoken in six villages by 4000 people and Balochi is spoken by 8000 people in two villages. 19000 people in nine villages speak some other unspecified language."^[66]

The Pashtun culture is dominant in this region.

Notable people from Kandahar

• 
  Nur Jahan – Empress of the Mughal Empire
  


• 
  Mirwais Hotak – founder of the Hotak dynasty
  


• 
  Abdul Aziz Hotak – ruler of the Hotak dynasty


• 
  Mahmud Hotak – ruler of the Hotak dynasty and Shah of Persia


• 
  Ashraf Hotak – Shah of Persia


• 
  Hussain Hotak – ruler of the Hotak dynasty


• 
  Ahmad Shah Durrani – founding father of Afghanistan who is buried in the city


• 
  Payandah Khan, earliest tribal chief of the Barakzai dynasty
  


• 
  Dost Mohammad Khan – Emir of Afghanistan and son of Payandah Khan


• 
  Sher Ali Khan – Emir of Afghanistan and son of Dost Mohammad Khan


• 
  Abdur Rahman Khan – Emir of Afghanistan and son of Dost Mohammad Khan


• 
  Ghulam Muhammad Tarzi – leader of Tarzi family who played an important part in Afghan history during the late 19th century onward


• Abdul Rehman Khan, father of Bollywood actor Kader Khan
  


• 
  Mohammed Zahir Shah – the last king of Afghanistan


• 
  Mohammed Daoud Khan founder of the republic of Afghanistan


• 
  Ubaidullah Jan – Pashto music king of southern Afghanistan


• 
  Naghma – Afghan singer


• 
  Nashenas – Afghan musician
  


• 
  Abdul Hai Habibi – scholar, former professor at Kabul University and author of many books


• The Karzais – the family of Afghan President Hamid Karzai
  


• 
  Gul Agha Sherzai – served as the governor of Kandahar Province followed by as governors of Nangarhar Province
  


• 
  Said Tayeb Jawad – former Afghanistan Ambassador to the United States


• 
  Yousef Pashtun – Afghan politician


• 
  Mula Naqib Akhund – Alokozai tribe leader


• 
  Khan Mohammad Mujahid – Alokozai tribe leader

See also

• 
  Kandahar portal
  

• Kandahar Province


• Old Kandahar


• Arachosia


• Alexandria Arachosia


• 
  Yazidis of Kandahar


• Operation Dreamseed

Footnotes

1. 
   ^ ^ab "The State of Afghan Cities report2015". Archived from the original on 31 October 2015..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg/12px-Wikisource-logo.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#33aa33;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
   


2. 
   ^ ^ab "Kandahar". Columbia Encyclopedia. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
   


3. 
   ^ "The City of Kandahar". Columbia Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
   


4. 
   ^ ^ab F.R. Allchin (ed.), The Archaeology of Early Historic South Asia: The Emergence of Cities and States (Cambridge University Press, 1995), pp.127-130
   


5. 
   ^ ^ab Gérard Fussman, "KANDAHAR ii. Pre-Islamic Monuments and Remains", in Encyclopædia Iranica, online edition, 2012
   


6. 
   ^ John E. Hill, Through the Jade Gate to Rome: A Study of the Silk Routes during the Later Han dynasty, 1st to 2nd centuries CE. BookSurge, Charleston, South Carolina, 2009.
   ISBN 978-1-4392-2134-1, pp. 517–518. This derivation, as that from Gondophares, was characterised as "philologiquement impossible" by P. Bernard, "Un probleme de toponymie antique dans l'Asie Centrale: les noms anciens de Qandahar", Studia Iranica, tome 3, 1974 and Afghanistan Quarterly, vol.33, no.1, June 1980/Spring 1359, pp.49–62, p59, n.10.
   


7. 
   ^ Ernst Herzfeld, Archaeological History of Iran, London, Oxford University Press for the British Academy, 1935, p.63; Ernst Herzfeld, The Persian Empire: Studies in Geography and Ethnography of the Ancient Near East, Wiesbaden, Steiner, 1968, p.335.
   


8. 
   ^ Hobson Jobson Dictionary Archived 7 July 2012 at Archive.today; The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Vaman Shivram Apte, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, India, 1975,
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   .
   


9. 
   ^ Lendering, Jona. "Gandara". LIVIUS – Articles on Ancient History. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
   


10. 
    ^ "Achaemenid Satrapies". Retrieved 18 May 2015.
    ^{[permanent dead link]}
    


11. 
    ^ ^abc Dupree, Nancy Hatch (1970). An Historical Guide to Afghanistan. First Edition. Kabul: Afghan Air Authority, Afghan Tourist Organization. p. 492. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
    


12. 
    ^ Map of the Median Empire from the University of Texas in Austin, showing Pactyans in what is now Kandahar, Afghanistan ... Link
    


13. 
    ^ Lendering, Jona. "Alexandria in Arachosia". LIVIUS – Articles on Ancient History. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
    


14. 
    ^ Mentioned in Bopearachchi, "Monnaies Greco-Bactriennes et Indo-Grecques", p52. Original text in paragraph 19 of Parthian stations
    


15. 
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16. 
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17. 
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18. 
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19. 
    ^ Excavations at Kandahar 1974 & 1975 (Society for South Asian Studies Monograph) by Anthony McNicoll.
    

    The Zunbils ruled in the Kandahar area for nearly 250 years until the late 9th century AD.
    

    
    


20. 
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21. 
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23. 
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24. 
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25. 
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26. 
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27. 
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28. 
    ^ http://www.heritage.org/node/22652/print-display
    


29. 
    ^ https://www.nytimes.com/1982/03/08/world/soviet-reprisals-on-afghans-called-fierce.html
    


30. 
    ^ https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/07/24/Soviet-forces-bombed-the-city-of-Kandahar-in-southern/5417459489600/
    


31. 
    ^ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/09/afghanistan.peterbeaumont
    


32. 
    ^ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/09/afghanistan.peterbeaumont
    


33. 
    ^ BBC News, Kandahar's cemetery of 'miracles'
    


34. 
    ^ "Home Free". Time. Archived from the original on 24 July 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2011. Hamid Karzai dreamed for years of his eventual homecoming. But for both him and his newly reborn nation, the journey has only begun
    


35. 
    ^ BBC News, Kandahar dreamers test Taliban edicts
    


36. 
    ^ "Removed: news agency feed article". the Guardian. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
    


37. 
    ^ "Kandahar, a Battlefield Even Before U.S. Offensive". The New York Times. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
    


38. 
    ^ "Q+A – NATO sees Kandahar battle as Afghan turning point". Reuters Editorial. Reuters India. 31 March 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
    


39. 
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40. 
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41. 
    ^ "ISI still engaged with the Taliban: US expert". Pajhwok Afghan News. 6 June 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
    


42. 
    ^ Pakistan a twin brother, talks to go on: Karzai. Pajhwok Afghan News. Sujoy Dhar. 5 October 2011.
    


43. 
    ^ Challenges remain despite reduced rebel attacks: ISAF. Pajhwok Afghan News. 10 October 2011.
    


44. 
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45. 
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46. 
    ^ [1] (in Russian)
    


47. 
    ^ "Kandahar Climate Normals 1964–1983". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
    


48. 
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49. 
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50. 
    ^ Kandahar-Quetta bus service soon
    By Bashir Ahmad Naadim Jul 20, 2012 – 17:17, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2012/07/20/kandahar-quetta-bus-service-soon
    


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54. 
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55. 
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56. 
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57. 
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58. 
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59. 
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60. 
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61. 
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62. 
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63. 
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64. 
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65. 
    ^ "2003 National Geographic Population Map" (PDF). Thomas Gouttierre, Center For Afghanistan Studies, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Matthew S. Baker, Stratfor. National Geographic Society. 2003. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
    


66. 
    ^ "B. Demography and Population" (PDF). United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook 2006, Central Statistics Office. Afghanistan's Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 March 2012.
    

References

• 
  Dupree, Nancy Hatch (1977) [1st Edition: 1970]. An Historical Guide to Afghanistan (2nd Edition, Revised and Enlarged ed.). Afghan Tourist Organization.
  


• Hill, John E. 2004. The Peoples of the West from the Weilue 魏略 by Yu Huan 魚豢: A Third Century Chinese Account Composed between 239 and 265 CE. Draft annotated English translation.


• Hill, John E. (2009) Through the Jade Gate to Rome: A Study of the Silk Routes during the Later Han dynasty, 1st to 2nd centuries CE. BookSurge, Charleston, South Carolina.
  ISBN 978-1-4392-2134-1.


• Hill, John E. (2009) Through the Jade Gate to Rome: A Study of the Silk Routes during the Later Han Dynasty, 1st to 2nd centuries CE. BookSurge, Charleston, South Carolina.
  ISBN 978-1-4392-2134-1.


• Frye, Richard N. (1963). The Heritage of Persia. World Publishing company, Cleveland, Ohio. Mentor Book edition, 1966.


• Toynbee, Arnold J. (1961). Between Oxus and Jumna. London. Oxford University Press.


• 
  Willem Vogelsang (1985). "Early historical Arachosia in South-east Afghanistan; Meeting-place between East and West." Iranica antiqua, 20 (1985), pp. 55–99.


• Wood, Michael (1997). In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: A Journey from Greece to Asia. University of California Press.
  ISBN 0-520-23192-9
  

Further reading

Published in the 19th century

• 
  Edward Balfour (1885), "Kandahar", Cyclopaedia of India (3rd ed.), London: B. Quaritch
  


• Boulger, Demetrius Charles. Ought We to Hold Candahar?. London: William H. Allen and Company (1879).

Published in the 20th century

• 
  "Kandahar", The Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.), New York: Encyclopædia Britannica, 1910, OCLC 14782424
  

Published in the 21st century

• 
  C. Edmund Bosworth, ed. (2007). "Kandahar". Historic Cities of the Islamic World. Leiden: Koninklijke Brill.
  

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kandahar.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Kandahar.

• 
  Map of Kandahar, from Afghanistan Information Management Services
  

v t e Fourteen largest cities in Afghanistan by population
Kabul Kandahar Herat Mazari Sharif Jalalabad Kunduz Ghazni Taloqan Puli Khumri Khost Lashkargah Maymana Sheberghan Farah

v t e Districts of Afghanistan by province

Badakhshan Arghanj Khwa Argo Baharak Darayim Maimay Nusay Fayzabad Ishkashim Jurm Khash Khwahan Kishim Kohistan Kuf Ab Kuran Wa Munjan Raghistan Shahri Buzurg Shighnan Shekay Shuhada Tagab Tishkan Wakhan Wurduj Yaftali Sufla Yamgan Yawan Zebak Badghis Ab Kamari Jawand Muqur Murghab Qadis Qala i Naw Baghlan Andarab Baghlan Baghlani Jadid Burka Dahana i Ghuri Dih Salah Dushi Farang Wa Gharu Guzargahi Nur Khinjan Khost Wa Fereng Khwaja Hijran Nahrin Puli Hisar Puli Khumri Tala Wa Barfak Balkh Balkh Charbolak Charkint Chimtal Dawlatabad Dihdadi Kaldar Kholm Kishindih Marmul Mazar-e Sharif Nahri Shahi Sholgara Shortepa Zari Bamyan Bamyan Kahmard Panjab Sayghan Shibar Waras Yakawlang Daykundi Ishtarlay Kajran Khadir Kiti Miramor Nili Sangtakht Shahristan Farah Anar Dara Bakwa Bala Buluk Farah Gulistan Khaki Safed Lash Wa Juwayn Pur Chaman Pusht Rod Qala i Kah Shib Koh Faryab Almar Andkhoy Bilchiragh Dawlat Abad Ghormach Gurziwan Khani Chahar Bagh Khwaja Sabz Posh Kohistan Maymana Pashtun Kot Qaramqol Qaysar Qurghan Shirin Tagab Ghazni Ab Band Ajristan Andar Dih Yak Gelan Ghazni Giro Jaghori Jaghatū Khogyani Khwaja Umari Malistan Muqur Nawa Nawur Qarabagh Rashidan Waghaz Zana Khan Ghor Chaghcharan Charsada Dawlat Yar Du Layna Lal wa Sarjangal Pasaband Saghar Shahrak Taywara Tulak Helmand Baghran Dishu Garmsir Kajaki Khanashin Lashkargah Musa Qala Nad Ali Nahri Saraj Nawa-I-Barakzayi Nawzad Sangin Washir Herat Adraskan Chishti Sharif Farsi Ghoryan Gulran Guzara Herat Injil Karukh Kohsan Kushk Kushki Kuhna Obe Pashtun Zarghun Shindand Zinda Jan Jowzjan Aqcha Darzab Fayzabad Khamyab Khaniqa Khwaja Du Koh Mardyan Mingajik Qarqin Qush Tepa Shibirghan Kabul Bagrami Chahar Asyab Deh Sabz Farza Guldara Istalif Kabul Kalakan Khaki Jabbar Mir Bacha Kot Mussahi Paghman Qarabagh Shakardara Surobi Kandahar Arghandab Arghistan Daman Ghorak Kandahar Khakrez Maruf Maywand Miyanishin Nesh Panjwayi Reg Shah Wali Kot Shorabak Spin Boldak Zhari Kapisa Alasay Hesa Awal Kohistan Hesa Duwum Kohistan Koh Band Mahmud Raqi Nijrab Tagab Khost Bak Gurbuz Zazi Maidan Khost (Matun) Mandozayi Musakhel Nadir Shah Kot Qalandar Sabari Shamal Spera Tani Tirazayi Kunar Asadabad Bar Kunar Chapa Dara Chawkay Dangam Dara-I-Pech Ghaziabad Khas Kunar Marawara Narang Aw Badil Nari Nurgal Shaigal Aw Shiltan Sirkanay Wata Pur Kunduz Ali Abad Archi Chardara Imam Sahib Khan Abad Kunduz Qalay-I-Zal Laghman Alingar Alishing Dawlat Shah Mihtarlam Qarghayi Logar Azra Baraki Barak Charkh Kharwar Khoshi Mohammad Agha Puli Alam Nangarhar Achin Bati Kot Bihsud Chaparhar Darai Nur Dih Bala Dur Baba Goshta Hisarak Jalalabad Kama Khogyani Kot Kuz Kunar Lal Pur Momand Dara Nazyan Pachir Aw Agam Rodat Sherzad Shinwar Surkh Rod Nimruz Chahar Burjak Chakhansur Delaram Kang Khash Rod Zaranj Nuristan Bargi Matal Du Ab Kamdesh Mandol Nurgaram Paroon Wama Waygal Paktia Ahmadabad Tsamkani Dand Aw Patan Gardez Zazi Janikhel Lazha Ahmadkhel Sayid Karam Shwak Wuza Zadran Zurmat Paktika Barmal Dila Gayan Gomal Janikhel Mata Khan Nika Omna Sar Hawza Surobi Sharana Terwa Urgun Wazakhwa Wor Mamay Yahyakhel Yusufkhel Zarghun Shar Zerok Panjshir Anaba Bazarak Darah Khenj Paryan Rokha Shotul Parwan Bagram Chaharikar Ghorband Jabul Saraj Kohi Safi Salang Sayed Khel Shekh Ali Shinwari Surkhi Parsa Samangan Aybak Darah Sof Feroz Nakhchir Hazarati Sultan Khuram Wa Sarbagh Ruyi Du Ab Sar-e Pol Balkhab Gosfandi Kohistanat Sancharak Sari Pul Sayyad Sozma Qala Takhar Baharak Bangi Chah Ab Chal Darqad Dashti Qala Farkhar Hazar Sumuch Ishkamish Kalafgan Khwaja Baha Wuddin Khwaja Ghar Namak Ab Rustaq Taluqan Warsaj Yangi Qala Urozgan Chora Deh Rawud Gizab Khas Urozgan Shahidi Hassas Tarinkot Wardak Chaki Wardak Day Mirdad Hisa-I-Awali Bihsud Jaghatu Jalrez Markazi Bihsud Maidan Shar Nirkh Saydabad Zabul Argahandab Atghar Dey Chopan Kakar Mizan Naw Bahar Qalat Shahjoy Shamulzayi Shinkay Tarnak Aw Jaldak

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