Balkh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Balkh
بلخ
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A mosque in Balkh
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 Balkh
Location in Afghanistan
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| Country |  Afghanistan |
| Province | Balkh Province |
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Population
(2006)
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| • City | 77,000 |
| Time zone | + 4.30 |
Balkh (Persian: بلخ) is an ancient city located in the Balkh Province of Afghanistan. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. For many centuries, Balkh was a very important center for trade, culture, and learning. It was known as the "Mother of Cities" in ancient times.
Contents
History of Balkh
Balkh has a very long and interesting history. It was once a huge and famous city. It was part of many different empires over thousands of years.
Ancient Times
Balkh was the capital of an ancient region called Bactria. This area was a crossroads for many cultures. It was a key stop on the famous Silk Road. The Silk Road was a network of trade routes. It connected the East and West for thousands of years. Goods, ideas, and cultures traveled along this path.
Balkh was also an important place for the Buddhist religion. Many Buddhist monasteries and temples were built there. Two famous merchants, Trapusa and Bahalika, from Balkh, are said to have met the Buddha himself.
Medieval Period
During the Middle Ages, Balkh continued to be a major city. It was known for its scholars, poets, and scientists. The city had grand mosques and libraries. It was a center of Islamic learning and art.
However, in the 13th century, the city faced a terrible disaster. The Mongols, led by Genghis Khan, invaded and largely destroyed Balkh. This event caused great damage to the city.
Later History
After the Mongol invasion, Balkh slowly began to recover. It was rebuilt over time, but it never fully regained its former glory. In 1850, a ruler named Dost Mohammad Khan captured Balkh. He was the leader of Afghanistan at that time. Today, Balkh is a smaller town. But it still has many historical ruins and sites. These sites remind us of its rich past.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Map showing Balkh (here indicated as Bactres), the capital of Bactria during the Hellenistic Age
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Ambassador from Balkh (白題國 Baitiguo) to the Tang dynasty, Wanghuitu (王會圖), circa 650 CE.
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Trapusa and Bahalika, two merchants from Balkh, offering food to the Buddha. Modern Burmese depiction.
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A silver dirham of the Umayyad Caliphate, minted at Balkh al-Baida in AH 111 (=729/30 AD).
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The Green Mosque of Balkh
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A street in Balkh with several horse carts, c. 1970s
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Remains of a Hellenistic capital found in Balkh
See also
In Spanish: Balj para niños
