Historical Places of Afghanistan
Bala Hisar In Kabul
Bala Hisar Kabul, with its rich history and strategic location, holds significant military importance. Situated southeast of Kabul on top of a hill called Zumurrud, it was constructed as a defense point for the city. Surrounding the fortress are Kol Hashmat Khan, Shahid Salehin, Koocheh Kharabat, and Koocheh Shir Darwaza, similar to other historical sites in Kabul. Bala Hisar Kabul is also located in the old city areas of Kabul.
Throughout history, Bala Hisar Kabul has served as a residence for kings and military personnel. During the reign of Zaheruddin Muhammad Babur, the royal palace was situated in Bala Hisar. Similarly, when Timur Shah moved the capital of Afghanistan from Kandahar to Kabul, he established his residence in Bala Hisar until it was later reconstructed by Abdul Rahman Khan, who transformed it into the current presidential palace.
According to the book "Bala Hisar Kabul and Historical Events" by Mohammad Ali Khezad, a renowned researcher and historian of the country, the first and most important military fortress complex, Bala Hisar, was built in the fifth century AD by one of the Yifteli kings.
Researchers believe that Bala Hisar Kabul had a market similar to Ghazni's Bala Hisar. Over different periods, this fortress housed buildings, gardens, Buddhist temples, churches, and mosques. It is divided into two parts: the Lower Fortress, which includes stables or animal housing, barracks, three royal palaces, and the Upper Fortress, which consists of Zarrad Khanah residence and Kabul prisons. Afghanistan is home to several Bala Hisars, including those in Balkh, Farah, Gardiz, Ghazni, Kandahar, and Kunduz.
Bala Hisar Kabul has faced destruction and attacks throughout various eras but has been rebuilt twice. During the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880), British forces launched an attack on Kabul from Bala Hisar but were ultimately defeated.
In 1879, Bala Hisar Kabul briefly served as the residence of British envoy Sir Louis Cavagnari, who was known among the residents of Kabul as "Kamanari." Unfortunately, Cavagnari was killed during a popular uprising in one of the buildings of Bala Hisar. The fortress suffered extensive damage and was set on fire during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.
During the mid-seventh century AD, when the Muslim army attacked Kabul, Bala Hisar's walls, towers, and buildings were utilized as fortifications. Abdul Rahman led the first Muslim army, entering Kabul after conquering Zaranj and besieging Kandahar and Ghazni. Bala Hisar Kabul had two large gates.
Once considered a symbol of power, Bala Hisar now lies in ruins. Only the Afghan National Army's headquarters remain in one of its buildings, utilizing it as a military base. This military fortress has endured destruction and fire, but the war continues to ravage the region.
