Herat

Section of Herat in 2009 - A view of Herat from the city's center.

{{warningbox|Travel to Afghanistan, including Herat, is extremely dangerous. Although it is considered the safest province in Afghanistan, Taliban bombings and attacks are not uncommon. If you must go, see war zone safety. |ie= https://e/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/afghanistan/ |canada=https://el.gc.ca/destinations/afghanistan |de= https://ertiges-amt.de/de/afghanistansicherheit/204692 |nz= https://etravel.govt.nz/afghanistan |uk= https://eign-travel-advice/afghanistan |us=https://el.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/afghanistan-advisory.html | Herat (Dari: هرات) is a big, relatively wealthy city in western Afghanistan.

Herat Halal Travel Guide

Herat is the third largest city in Afghanistan, located in the western part of the nation, close to the border with Iran. It is called Nagin Aseeya or Diamond of Asia in some literature. The city has an eventful history of more than 3,000 years. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times; perhaps most notably it was destroyed by Tamerlane in the 1300s.

The people are very friendly and hospitable to Foreign Muslims and are also more religious than people in Kabul. Many of the young understand English or other foreign languages. It is relatively safer than other provinces of Afghanistan except Kandahar.

The attempted revolution against the communist government in Afghanistan began in 1979 in Herat with demonstrations that exploded into something larger when government forces shot some people, provoking a group of young officers to distribute weapons from a military armory to the crowd. They soon conducted a massacre of both Afghan communist officials and Russian advisors. That brought first bombing of Herat that killed over 20,000 and then a Russian invasion of the whole country.

Ismail Khan, one of the officers involved, soon became the main mujahideen leader in this region. When the Russians finally withdrew in 1989, he ruled Herat until the Taliban takeover in the mid-1990s, and the city changed its face due to the many development works he undertook. He resisted Taliban and even tried to attack their capital city, Kandahar, but they defeated him and then captured and imprisoned him until he escaped and fled to Iran. When the American-led alliance invaded, his forces liberated Herat before the invaders reached Kabul. In the Karzai Government, Ismail Khan became the governor of this province and built on his earlier works, but later he was removed from the governorship.

Travel to Herat

Plane of Pamir Airways at Herat Airport in 2010 - Herat International Airport

The Herat International Airport is situated 15 kilometers south of the city just east of the road towards Farah. Daily Flights from Kabul are available from Kam Air and Ariana for 3500 Afg. Both UNAMA and UNHAS operate flights between Kabul and Herat, occasionally via Bamiyan, available to staff of partner NGOs.

A bus service is available from Mashhad in Iran, buses are supposed to leave at 07:00 from the bus terminal but departure times are flexible, be there early. Arrival at the border is around noon and in Herat a bit after 15:00. Border procedures are relatively straightforward.

Overland travel by vehicle can be both time-consuming and dangerous. The road from Kandahar has been rebuilt but is extremely dangerous as it passes through Helmand and Farah, both which are war zones. The roads from Iran and Turkmenistan are both in good shape and the later one being tarred, although with occasional craters. There are occasional security incidents on the road from Turkmenistan as trouble spills over from unstable Badghis province. Get up-to-date advice before attempting this route. The A76 highway connects to Mazar-e Sharif via Maimana. Upgrading of the road is not yet completed, largely due to the kidnapping of the construction team in April 2009. This route is not recommended. The central route to Kabul via Chagcheran and the Jam|Minaret of Jam is a very rough 3-6 day journey, sleeping in chaikanas along the way. Several travellers have recently done this route and reported no safety issues. However, from Bamiyan and the longer northern route to Kabul is safer than the southern route.

What to see in Herat

Inside the Museum of Herat in 2011 - The museum inside the Herat Citadel Friday Mosque in Herat, Afghanistan - The Friday Mosque Musalla Complex in 2009 - Musalla Complex in 2009

Ghala Ekhteyaradin, Takht Safar, Bagh Milat, Bagh Shaidayee, Masjid Jami, Howz Charso, Minarets, Poli Malan (Malan Bridge), Gowhar Shad Tomb, Gazer Gah Sharif, Sang Haft Ghalam, Dig Masjid Jami and tens of other nice and stunning locations exist in Herat and really worth to visit. Some of these historical places will be nominated as world legacy by UNESCO soon.

• The Friday Mosque - Jama Masjid of Herat, مسجد جمعه هرات | 34.343056, 62.195833 - More than 800 years old, full of life and incredibly beautiful. Be sure and seek out the craftsmen's shop behind the main entrance, where you can watch them cut tiles and lay out new pieces for the building.

• Herat Citadel 34.34579, 62.18932 - On a hill to the West of the old city, with great views overlooking the city. It has reopened to visitors after being used by the military to store ammunition for the last few years, and is under restoration by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It has an eerie deserted feel, and you're free to roam and climb around all you want. However, be a little careful as some of the paths are slightly precarious. The guards generally demand a US$5 entrance fee, though bargaining can get you in for less, or even for free.

• Herat National Museum 34.34588, 62.18798 - Housed in the Citadel the Herat National Museum and the collection is showcases the history of the region. However, many pieces have been either lost or looted.

• Mousallah Complex 34.35741, 62.18536 - Once a mosque, a medressa, and a mausoleum, all that remains is a single, precariously tethered minaret and the large domed tomb of Gowhar Shad, who commissioned the original complex. If you have time, wait for the keeper to come unlock the tomb, this might involve asking the guard to call, he will ask for a few dollars it's worth it to see the interior. At the very back of the park behind the mausoleum, part of a second minaret, part of the madrassa, can be found with a rusting tank parked nearby.

• Minarets of Sultan Baiqara 34.35938, 62.18600 next to the Musalla Complex - The 4 minarets are all that remains of the medressa that he built. The new Iranian-built road cuts directly through them, two on each side. Most of the once beautiful blue tiling has vanished, though the floral outlines remain.

• Tomb of Jami 34.373107, 62.180310 - Jami was a very famous 15th-century Sufi poet. His tomb is highly revered, and popular with local women. To get here, walk roughly a kilometre north from the Baiqara minarets along the primary street. When you get to a junction with a large monument in the center, look out to the left and the large building that looks like a mosque is the one. Otherwise and there is a taxi stand near the junction.

• Gazar Gah 34.37484, 62.24056 - A large and famous sufi shrine of Khoja Abdullah Ansari, tiled in blue with Kufic calligraphy. His tomb is the large blue structure at the back. There is no entrance fee, but donations are appreciated.

• Takht-e Safar 34.37343, 62.22074 - A very old and famous park near the mountain close to Gazar Gah.

• Military Museum | 34.37417, 62.20909 next to the U.S. consulate - An overwhelming collection of weapons and military equipment left behind after Afghanistan's numerous invasions. Upstairs is a display in memory of the Soviet invasion.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Herat

• Take a shower in the huge subterranean Hammams.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Herat

• There are several antique shops on the north side of the mosque that sell jewellery, tea pots, old coins and traditional clothing. Sultan Hamidi (0774282153) will happily show his photograph in the Lonely Planet guidebook, demonstrate any instruments he has for sale, and direct you to the glassblowers' workshop where many of his wares are made. Bargain hard and in Afghanis.
• There is also a silk bazaar near Chahar Sunday and the Friday Mosque, where you can watch the weavers at their looms, and bargain on scarves and cloth.

Money Matters & ATM's in Herat

• There are money changers near Chowk Gulha and along Bagh-e Azadi, north of the old city.

• Western Union - Bagh-e Azadi, near Da Afghanistan Bank.

• Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) - Bagh-e Azadi. Has an ATM but is closed on Fridays.

• New Kabul Bank - Has a branch in Herat. It also has Western Union services.

• Bank Alfalah Limited - ☎ +93-40-230704 - Herat Branch, Ground Floor, Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Herat Blood Bank Street,

Halal Food & Restaurants

Herat has a mixture of traditional and modern foods. While in Herat do not forget to try Kichiri Goshti and Chainaki. Also Halwa Sohan Herat, Shirperra Zafarani and Dashlama Herati are best sweets.

• Chaikanas are plentiful, and serve affordable local Afghani food.
• Shahiste Restaurant, jad-e Badmurghan, is in the Marco Polo Hotel and is the one of the best restaurants in the city. The menu changes daily, and usually features several Iranian/Afghani options. Meals from around 200 Afs.
• Arghawan Restaurant, next to the Nazary Hotel, serves l-food/halal-poultry-dishes/ Halal Kebab and Pizzas, with a garden for hookah. Women may be assigned to a small "family room" at the back. Meals from around 200 Afs.
• Fardeen Supermarket, jad-e Ghomandani, about two blocks north of Bagh-e Azadi. A well-stocked supermarket with plenty of western and Iranian imports.

• Thousand and One Nights | Near new US consulate 34.37443, 62.20456 hill above University - Rice, Kebab, shisha. Waiters are dwarves in bright blue shirts, black trousers, and striped waistcoats. While this may seem patronizing and the restaurant offers them decent jobs where they would otherwise be unemployed.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Herat

Herat - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Herat, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Herat. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Herat and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Herat. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Herat. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Herat: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Herat.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Herat: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Herat, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Herat.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Herat, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Herat, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Herat and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Herat, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Herat, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Herat without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Herat is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Herat.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Herat is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Herat, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Herat Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Herat

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Herat ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Herat. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Herat, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

[[2009 hotel Herat Afghanistan 4111446175 - Hotel in Herat Afghanistan

• Jaam Hotel, in the old city west of Darb Khosh, +93 (0) 40 223 477. Has 30 basic double rooms, all sharing 2 squat toilets and 2 showers. Management speaks some English and are very friendly, and there is a restaurant on site. 300 Afs.

Guesthouses are recommended for longer stays

• Marco Polo Hotel marcopolo@ Jad-e Badmurghan ☎ +93 40-221946, +93 799206192 US$30-40 per day The most popular "GCC standards" hotel in the city. Internet access, breakfast, laundry and transport is included.

• Park Hotel Just south of Girdha Park on the road from the airport ☎ +93 40-223010 From 1000 Afs per day, for three persons 2000 Afs Oldest hotel in Herat, built in the 1930s, it reopened after being occupied by the military. Has a faded, grand old haunted house feel. Large, high-ceiling rooms have 3 single beds and large tiled bathrooms with western toilets. Surrounded by trees on secure grounds.

• Baharistan Hery Hotel baharistan@ Taher Fushanji Ave. In the Arefi Business center Double room for 2000 Afs A Middle Eastern style hotel on the same street as the Marco Polo Hotel. Internet and heating system available. Around 20 rooms and a terrace with views of the city. Staff are helpful. There is no restaurant inside but there are many nearby.

• Nazary Four Star Hotel - Walatay Street 34.348835, 62.199984 ☎ +93 799 351899, +93 795 606400 A Dubai-esque tower block on the main east-west street. US$60 for an en suite double but discounts are available. Rooms have a/c, heating, satellite TV and LAN internet.

Stay Safe

Herat is one of the safer cities in Afghanistan. However and there are sometimes small explosions attributed to political parties which are trying to make a point or create the impression that the city is not safe. Shootings are also common during personal disputes. Gun battles between the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police are not unusual.

Local Customs in Herat

Be quiet, respectful and dress appropriately when visiting masjids and shrines. These are holy places of worship and should not be treated as tourist attractions. Be discreet with your camera.

Travel Next

Chisht-i-Sharif is 177 kilometers from Herat city. As you approach it across a plateau, you can see the two famous domes of Chisht. The town with its meandering bazaar street sits in the ravine between these plateaus. Winding down and up, you will find an avenue of pine trees leading directly to two ruined buildings now standing in the middle of an extensive graveyard. Experts argue as to the purpose of these buildings. Some speak of them as mausoleums. Others see them as parts of a grand complex of buildings.

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