Balkh
alternative words: Balkh city, Vazirabad
keywords: town
related topics: Mazar i Sharif , Alexander the great
related web sites: http://www.encyclopedia.com/articlesnew/14573.html , http://www.geocities.com/afghanistan_ca/Balkh.html
explanation: Located in northern Afghanistan near Mazar i Sharif, Balkh is one of the oldest cities in the world. A legend says that Zoroaster would be born there. It became the capital of Bactria, one of the kingdoms founded by a general of Alexander the great in 4th century BC. Balkh was destroyed completely during Mongol invasion in 13th century. Balkh was restored by Tamerlane in 15th century but after the alleged discovery of Ali's tomb at Mazar i Sharif, Balkh has declined. The total population is 3000.