Balkh Collection

The famous white pigeons, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Pilgrims at the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Tiling around blue window, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh, Afghanistan, Asia

Shrine of the theologian Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, built in late Timurid style in the 15th century, the dome was damaged in an earthquake in the 1990s, and has since been repaired

Amir Khusraw presents a book of poetry to Ala uddin Khalji
5932709 Amir Khusraw presents a book of poetry to Ala uddin Khalji, 1503-04 (Opaque watercolor, ink and gold on paper by Afghan School, (16th century); 30.5 x 19.5 cm; Freer Gallery of Art

The Afghan Boundary Commission (engraving)
1590999 The Afghan Boundary Commission (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Afghan Boundary Commission)

Aerial by drone of Charkent gate, Chimtal district, Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan, Asia

The Iron Gate defile on the Karshi-Derbent Route, Afghanistan, 1895. From The Universal Geography with Illustrations and Maps, division XII, written by Elisee Reclus and published by Virtue & Co

Pilgrim at the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh, Afghanistan, Asia

Detail of tilework, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, built by Sultan Husayn Bayqara in late Timurid style in the 5th century, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Afghanistan, Asia

Lady in burqa feeding famous white pigeons whilst child chases them, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh, Afghanistan, Asia

View of man riding horse along road, taken from army checkpoint at remains of a Buddhist stupa, Top-I-Rustam, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Afghanistan, Asia

Amputee outside the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Minaret, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Pilgrims outside the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Detail of tilework, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Tiling round blue window, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Tiling round shuttered windows, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Detail of Timurid shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Ladies wearing burqas, Timurid shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Balkh (Mother of cities) Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Detail of turquoise glazed tiles on late Timurid style Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Detail of turquoise glazed tiles on Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Balkh (Mother of cities) Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Remains of 200ft high Buddhist stupa, now an army checkpoint, Top-I-Rustam, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

The late Timurid style Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Unique Timurid corkscrew pillars of the Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Famous white pigeon sits below window, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Remains of Buddhist monastery, Balkh (Mother of Cities), Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Tomb in the park outside the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Tilework detail, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Tiling round door, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assissinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

People feeding the famous white pigeons, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Pilgrim at the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

Street scene near Shrine of Hazrat Ali with Memorial plaque of assassinated Mujahadin leader Ahmad Shah Massoud know as the Lion of Panshir an Afghan National Hero, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province

Famous white pingeon in minaret, Shrine of Hazrat Ali, who was assassinated in 661, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, Asia

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Balkh, a province in Afghanistan, is a place steeped in history and rich with cultural treasures. One of its most iconic symbols is the famous white pigeons that gracefully soar through the sky, adding an ethereal charm to this ancient land. At the heart lies the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, a revered site for Muslims worldwide. This sacred place commemorates Hazrat Ali, who was tragically assassinated in 661. Pilgrims from all corners of the globe flock to Mazar-I-Sharif to pay their respects and seek solace within these hallowed grounds. The intricate tiling around the blue window at the Shrine of Hazrat Ali showcases exquisite craftsmanship that reflects both beauty and devotion. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy left behind by this influential figure. Not far from here stands another architectural marvel - the shrine dedicated to Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa. Built during the late Timurid era in stunning style, it captivates visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. Balkh's allure extends beyond religious landmarks; it also holds tales of poets and scholars. In one captivating scene depicted through time, Amir Khusraw presents his book of poetry to Ala uddin Khalji, showcasing how literature has thrived within these ancient walls. As we delve deeper into Balkh's past, we discover remnants left by foreign expeditions like The Afghan Boundary Commission engraved on stone tablets – evidence of geopolitical shifts over time. Exploring further reveals architectural wonders such as Haji Piyada Mosque with its detailed columns and arches that stand as testaments to human ingenuity throughout centuries. Aerial views captured by drones offer glimpses into Charkent gate located in Chimtal district – an impressive structure guarding access points since times immemorial while The Iron Gate defile on Karshi-Derbent Route takes us back to 1895, reminding us of the region's strategic importance.