Mazar-i-Sharif - City of Afghanistan_Part_3_Last

Economy and transport

Mazar-e Sharif serves as the major trading center in northern Afghanistan, which is the first city to connect itself by rail with a neighboring country. The rail service from Mazar-e Sharif to Uzbekistan that began in December 2011 is expected to rapidly boost the economy of the city. Cargo on freight trains arrives to the last station near Mazar-i-Sharif Airport, where the goods are reloaded onto trucks or airplanes and sent to their last destinations across Afghanistan. As the industry grows, it will provide employment for many local residents as well as large revenues for the city officials.
The local economy is dominated by trade, agriculture and karakul production; small-scale oil and gas exploitation have also boosted the city's prospects.

 Store in Mazar-i-Sharif with Russian name in Cyrillic

Notable places

The modern city of Mazar-i Sharif is centered around the Shrine of Hazrat Ali. Much restored, it is one of Afghanistan's most glorious monuments. Outside Mazar-i Sharif lies the ancient city of Balkh. The city is a centre for the traditional buzkashi sport, and the Blue Mosque is the focus of northern Afghanistan's Nawruz celebration. Although most Muslims believe that the real grave of Ali is found within Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq, others still come to Mazar-e Sharif to pay respect.

 An American C-5 Galaxy at Mazar-i-Sharif Airport.

 The Blue Mosque is the main attraction which made the city famous.

 Governor's Palace

 

Mazar-i-Sharif Gate under construction (July 2012) 

• Airports

 Mazari Sharif Airport - serves the population of Balkh Province and is also used by NATO-led forces, including the Afghan Air Force. It is being expanded to become the 4th international airport in Afghanistan.

•  Mosques

•  Shrine of Hazrat Ali

•  Parks and monuments

•  Maulana Jalaludin Cultural Park
   Tashkurgan Palace
   Governors Palace
   Mazar-i-Sharif Gate
   Khalid Ibn-al Walid Park

•  Stadiums

•  Mazar-i-Sharif Cricket Stadium
   Buzkashi Stadium

•  Universities

•  Balkh University
   Aria University
   Sadat University
   Mawlana University
   Taj University

•  Hospitals

•  Regional Hospital of Mazar-e-Sharif
   Saleha Bayat Hospital
   Afghan National Army Regional Hospital at Camp Shaheen

•  Hotels

•  Serena Hotel Mazar-i-Sharif
   Aros-e-Shahr
   Mazar Hotel
   Farhat Hotel
   Kefayat hotel


•  Barat Hotel


•  Shinwari hotel
   Marco Polo hotel

•  Banks

•  Da Afghanistan Bank
   Afghanistan International Bank (AIB)
   Kabul Bank
   Azizi Bank
   Pashtany Bank

•  Social Organizations

•  Balkh Youth Conformity Association