Mazar-e Sharif

Nowruz in northern Afghanistan in March 2022 - Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebration in the centre of Mazar-i-Sharif, where the Shrine of Hazrat Ali (inside the Blue Mosque) is located.

Mazar-e Sharif (مزار شریف), officially called Mazari Sharif and also Mazar-i-Sharif, Mazar-e Sharif, even Mazar Sharif or Mazar is a city in Afghanistan and the capital of Balkh Province.

Mazar-e Sharif Halal Explorer

With a population of more than 375,000, Mazar-e Sharif is the 4th largest city in Afghanistan. It was established in the 12th century after a local mullah dreamt of the secret site where Ali bin Talib and the Prophet's cousin and the fourth caliph of Islam, had been buried (outside of Afghanistan most Muslims believe that Ali is buried in Najaf, Iraq). A shrine, which was rebuilt as the Blue Mosque, was constructed on the site and the city of Mazar grew around it.

Historically this region was known as Bactria, its capital was Balkh and Mazar was a smaller town nearby. However Balkh was abandoned due to disease in the mid-19th century and Mazar assumed the role of capital of the region - a position it has maintained ever since.

Travel to Mazar-e Sharif

By road

• From Kabul can take as little as 5 hours, via the Salang Pass. The road has been improved and is feasible with a normal car. Mercedes buses leave Kabul around 04:00 to 05:00, arriving in Mazar around 13:00 to 15:00, and cost 400 Afg.
• It is also feasible from Sheberghan, Kunduz and neighbouring Uzbekistan.
• The back road from Herat via Maimana is a very rough 3-day journey in a landcruiser, and is no longer considered safe.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Mazar-e Sharif

• Mazar-e Sharif International Airport IATA Flight Code: MZR 36.704, 67.213 9 kilometers east of the city, a journey of 15 minutes by taxi - Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport December 2001 Mazar Airfield -

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• Kam Air flies on Sundays and Thursdays to/from Kabul (leaving Kabul at 09:00, returning at 14:30) and have ceased direct connecting Flights to Herat. Kam Air also flies intermittently to Mashhad, Iran.
• Safi Airways also flies between Kabul and Mazar for around US$40 one way.

The Ariana flights between Kabul and Mazar have been suspended due to low demand.

How to get around in Mazar-e Sharif

• Taxis are plentiful and should cost 30 Afg or less around town. Negotiate a price before setting off.

What to see in Mazar-e Sharif

Mazar-e sharif - Steve Evans - The Shrine of Hazrat Ali.

In the way of sights Mazar has little to offer the visitor other than the Blue Mosque - although some of the modern monuments built atop traffic circles are worth a photo. Mazar is surrounded by beautiful Mountains on two sides and is home to some Ancient Greek relics.

• Shrine of Hazrat Ali 36.70903, 67.11094 - Also known as the Blue Mosque and the shrine marks the burial site of Ali bin Talib and the Prophet Mohammad's cousin and the fourth caliph of Islam. At night the mosque is lit by coloured lights. However, due to many homeless sleeping in the surrounding park, it is not advisable to walk around it.

• Day trip to Balkh - 30 minutes by taxi - If you are in Mazar it is well worth the effort to go to Balkh - there is a good tarred road and the area is considered safe. Best to put aside half a day and make sure you get back to Mazar before sunset.

• Qaila Jangi - A fortress 30 minutes from Mazar-e Sharif that became infamous during the American-backed defeat of the Taliban by the Northern Alliance, when video footage of US and UK soldiers appeared on television sets around the world, firing into the rebelling Taliban prisoners and an American Taliban was taken prisoner - one of the few survivors. The uprising started right after the death of an American CIA Agent. There is a plaque commemorating his death but nothing about the hundreds of more Afghans that were killed in the hours afterwards. After the fall of Mazar-e Sharif to Warlord General Dostum and western advisors, truckloads of Taliban prisoners were herded into the fortress. The fortress is divided into two sections. The walls are sloping inwards from the outside and vertical from the inside, probably a strong reason why the Taliban were not able to scale the walls and escape after capturing weapons, and why the Afghan and western soldiers were able to trap them in their area by sealing the one exit/entry point and controlling the walls. To get in you will need to find a local to fast talk the guards. There is no entrance fee as the fortress is not a tourist attraction (Entrance fees are rare in Afghanistan anyway). Walking the interior (if you get in) and perimeter is easy. There are fields near the primary street giving some space between it and the fortress so photography is best from that side if you want to get wide-angle shots. The fortress is used by the new Afghan military and they are not too keen on having ordinary tourists turning up for a look around, although if you arrive with a local they can talk you in and the guards do warm up (and want photos sent back to them). UN and other NGO tourists have less hassle wanting to look around. A few rusting anti-air machine guns are next to the gate that divides the fortresses two areas.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Mazar-e Sharif

• The mosque is open for daily prayers.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mazar-e Sharif

• Hand-woven Persian rugs

Banks

• Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) - Has a branch in Mazari Sharif.

• New Kabul Bank - Has a branch in Mazari Sharif.

• Azizi Bank - Has a branch in Mazari Sharif.

• Western Union - Has several branches in Mazar-e Sharif.

Halal Restaurants in Mazar-e Sharif

• Between the Farhat Hotel and the Blue Mosque there are food stalls on both sides of the road. Bagels with green vegetables, tomato and french fries are especially good. Fruit shakes, soft drinks and tea are also available. Stalls close around sun set.

• Kefyat Hotel - Has a large restaurant serving tasty meals

• Delhi Darbar - about 1 kilometers north of the shrine, on a side street opposite the military hospital - Serves good Indian food, and alcohol is available to non-Afghans. It's known locally as the 'Indian hotel'.

• Ibn Sina Restaurant Darvaza-ye Balkh - GPS: 36.7060, 67.0944 - Afghan cuisine - Kebab, manti, plov.

• Freshly made fruit slushies. Banana shakes with almonds and dates are delicious, and the persimmon version looks equally alluring. Several stands are set up near the Aamo Hotel, as well as other spots around the shrine.
• Alcoholic drinks are available at the Indian hotel (Delhi Darbar), for non-Afghans only.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Mazar-e Sharif

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

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMazar-e Sharif: 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 Mazar-e Sharif.

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

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Mazar-e Sharif, 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 Mazar-e Sharif, 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 Mazar-e Sharif and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Mazar-e Sharif, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Mazar-e Sharif, 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 Mazar-e Sharif 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 Mazar-e Sharif 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 Mazar-e Sharif.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Mazar-e Sharif 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 Mazar-e Sharif, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Mazar-e Sharif Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Local hotels offer multi-bed rooms from 10-20 USD with a shared bathroom and toilet. Cheaper rooms have the worst toilet facilities.

• Aamo Hotel 36.7064, 67.1123 on the south side of the shrine ☎ +93 7 050-2478 Has reasonable rooms with 3 or more beds starting at US$15, which can be bargained down to US$10, with shared toilets and showers.

• Farhat hotel 36.7077 , 67.1045 ☎ +93 70 503-177 Darwaza-ye Balkh, (two blocks west of the shrine). Rooms from US$40 (negotiate) with attached bathroom and television (CNN, Al Jazeera World).

• Barat hotel - east of the shrine - 36.7109, 67.1131 ☎ +93 70 502-235 A modern hotel with nice rooms and shared bathrooms - from US$30.

• Royal Oak Hotel 36.7069, 67.1002 Next to the governor's house, in Darwaza-ye balkh ☎ +93-79-9383127 Prices per day from US$70 Aimed at high-end international guests this Kabul-style guesthouse is safe and includes a nice restaurant.

Travel Next

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Mazar-e Sharif

• Kam Air flies to Kabul on Thursdays at 14:00 and to Herat on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00. All flights costs 2500 Afg. Their office is one block north of the shrine on jad-e Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi, or a travel agent east of the Aamo Hotel books tickets for the same price.
• Ariana also has an office next door to Kam Air, but all of their Mazar flights have been suspended due to low demand.

By car

Shared taxis head to the Uzbekistan border - taking 30 minutes on a good tarred road through the desert. To drive your own vehicle will require completing some paperwork with the Uzbek embassy in Kabul.

Telecommunications in Mazar-e Sharif

Internet Cafe's in Mazar-e Sharif

• Dunya Internet Cafe on the first floor of Aamo Hotel (on the south side of the shrine), has a reasonable connection and costs 50 Afg per hour.

Stay Safe

Masar DeutschesKonsulat 20141026 0 - German consulate general, opened on a site deemed unsafe for US diplomats (2023)

• Aside from the inherent risks faced by coming to Afghanistan in such a time of turmoil, Mazar remains relatively peaceful and safe for travelers. Bearing in mind that things can change very quickly, avoid walking at night if feasible, always remain friendly and upbeat, and keep aware of your surroundings. Treat police with kindness and smiles even if they aren't showing you the same respect - unfriendly passport checks are not unheard of.

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