Ghazni

Ghazni is a historic city in central-eastern Afghanistan and the capital of Ghazni Province, located about 150 km southwest of Kabul on the Kabul–Kandahar Highway. Once the capital of the powerful Ghaznavid Empire, it remains known for its medieval architecture, bazaars and role as a trading and transit hub between Kabul and Kandahar.

The city's past as Ghazna stretches back to antiquity, but its golden age came from the 10th to 12th centuries, when the Ghaznavids ruled a vast region from here. Surviving landmarks include the 12th-century Ghazni Minarets, the Citadel of Ghazni, the Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III and the mausoleum of Mahmud of Ghazni. The Ghazni Museum holds artifacts from the city's Buddhist and Islamic periods.

Ghazni is divided into four urban districts and set on a high plateau around 2,219 metres above sea level. Visitors can explore the old bazaar and central market streets, traditional teahouses and craft traditions such as carpets and the embroidered sheepskin coats called posteen.

As a stop on the main highway linking Kabul with southern Afghanistan, Ghazni supports trade, agriculture and small industry. The city was named the Asian Capital of Islamic Culture for 2013, and local restaurants serve Afghan staples such as kabuli pulao, kebabs, bread and tea.

For travellers, Ghazni offers a historically rich contrast to Kabul and Kandahar. Its strategic road position and nearby heritage sites make it relevant for cultural visitors and business travellers moving through central Afghanistan.