MOIC Delegation Visits Historical Monuments and Tourist Sites in Balkh

A delegation led by Saadullah Asad, Adviser to the Deputy Ministry for Tourism, Finance and Administration of the Ministry of Information and Culture, has visited Balkh Province to inspect historical monuments and tourist attractions.

During the visit, the delegation met Mawlawi Mahmoodullah Zarar, Director of Information and Culture in Balkh, at his office. The meeting covered the department’s activities, the preservation and maintenance of historical monuments, and the current condition of tourist sites across the province.

The delegation subsequently visited the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr in Balkh District, where it inspected ongoing restoration work. Asad emphasised to the officials overseeing the project that the site's original character and historical significance must be preserved throughout the restoration process.

The delegation also visited the ancient fortress of Balkh, its historic wall, the Ayaran Towers and the Bala Hisar of Balkh. During these visits, Asad said the Ministry was working to protect and restore the province’s historical monuments while improving facilities for tourists and visitors, so that these heritage sites could be preserved and attract greater interest.

Accompanied by Balkh Provincial Spokesperson Haji Zaid, the delegation also visited a collective burial site for approximately 950 martyrs along the main road to Hairatan. The site was established through the efforts of Balkh Governor Mullah Mohammad Yousuf Wafa.

Built on on Hectare of land, the cemetery contains the remains of around 950 travellers whose bodies had been left in different parts of the Hairatan desert. Their remains were collected and reburied together at the site. Information about the martyrs has also been recorded there to preserve their memory and historical legacy.

The complex includes a guesthouse for receiving and accommodating travellers, a mosque named after Amir al-Mu'minin Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour (may Allah accept him), and a separate congregational mosque for women named after Hazrat Sumayyah (may Allah be pleased with her), the first martyr in Islam.

Several historical objects have also been displayed at the entrance in a museum-style arrangement to commemorate Afghanistan's contemporary jihad and struggles. These include a tank captured from the Russians, another captured from the Americans, a cannon made by Afghans during their resistance against the British, a Honda motorcycle and a yellow barrel.

Asad praised the construction of the cemetery and its associated facilities, commending Governor Mullah Mohammad Yousuf Wafa for the initiative. He described the project as a valuable contribution to preserving historical memories, honouring the martyrs and serving travellers.

He also noted that efforts had been made to preserve and restore historical sites, shrines and other ancient monuments in Balkh city and its districts. He said such initiatives played an important role in safeguarding the country's historical and cultural heritage and supporting the development of tourism.

The Ministry of Information and Culture continues to work towards the preservation and restoration of historical monuments and the development of tourist sites to ensure that Afghanistan's historical and cultural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.