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Bala Hissar

Bala Hissar is a citadel located in Kabul, Afghanistan. It can be literally translated as "fortress built on the top of a hill", and it was built in the 5th century B.C.

Bala Hissar Historical Facts

Bala Hissar stands at a height of only 46 meters (150 feet) on the plains surrounding Kabul.

Bala Hissar Fort was partially destroyed during the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) but was later rebuilt.

From 1939, Bala Hissar served as a military college until bombing destroyed it again.

In 1979 Bala Hissar was the site of a riot organized by the Afghanistan Liberation Organization, but that riot was suppressed.

Besides witnessing many turbulent periods in Afghanistan’s history, the fortress was once the residence of famous emperors like Babur and Timor Lang. Its walls rise to a height of seven meters (23 feet) and are about four meters (12 feet) thick.

Bala Hissar Fort Today

It has large swimming pools and is now being renovated for foreign dignitaries as a government guesthouse.

Bala Hissar Map&Location

Geographic Coordinates: 34.505556, 69.191667 
Directions: Qale'H-Ye-Balahissar, A1, Kabul, Afghanistan 194 m N.


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Bala Hissar Photos

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View of Bala Hissar today by Jim Kelly
Bala Hissar 1879
Bala Hissar fort view - by LarkAbroad
Bala Hissar gate - detail by Survan
Bala Hissar by Dan

 

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