Balkh
Once called "a noble city and a great seat of learning" by Marco Polo, Balkh is one of the ancient world's most layered cities — known to the Persians as Zariaspa and to the Greeks as Bactra, capital of Bactria, and a historic centre of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Islam in northern Afghanistan. Much of the city is now ruins, and the surrounding region holds archaeological sites spanning multiple civilisations. Mountains are visible from the area, and Mazar-i-Sharif lies a short drive away.
Description drafted with AI from public sources such as Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap. How this works
- Population114,883
- Nearest water from center 9.6 km5.9 mi
- Nearest mountain from center 14 km8.8 mi
Balkh: quick answers
Where is Balkh?
Balkh is in Afghanistan.
How do you get to Balkh?
The nearest airport is Mazar-i-Sharif (MZR), about 1 hr 1 min away by road.
What's the weather like in Balkh?
The warmest month is July, averaging 31°C88°F across day and night; the coolest is January, at 4°C39°F. The wettest month is March, with about 52 mm2.1 in of precipitation. (Monthly averages, 1991–2020.)
What's in Balkh?
OpenStreetMap lists 2 places of worship within 2 km of the centre.