page_title: Mazar-i-Sharif
section_title: Main sights
hierarchical_section_title: Mazar-i-Sharif / Main sights
caption_attribution_description: English: The new gate of Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan
context_page_description: Mazār-i-Sharīf, also called Mazār-e Sharīf, or just Mazar, is the fourth-largest city of Afghanistan, with a 2015 UN–Habitat population estimate 427,600. It is the capital of Balkh province and is linked by highways with Kunduz in the east, Kabul in the southeast, Herat in the southwest and Termez in Uzbekistan in the north. It is about 55 km from the Uzbek border. The city also serves as one of the many tourist attractions because of its famous shrines as well as the Islamic and Hellenistic archeological sites. The ancient city of Balkh is also nearby.
  The name Mazar-i-Sharif means "Tomb of the Prince", a reference to the large, blue-tiled sanctuary and mosque in the center of the city known as the Shrine of Ali or the Blue Mosque. Some people believe that the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, is at this mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, after Ali's remains were transferred to Mazar-i-Sharif as per request of Ja'far as-Sadiq. This is however rejected by other Muslims, as the majority believe he is buried in Najaf, Iraq.
context_section_description: The modern city of Mazar-i Sharif is centred around the Shrine of Ali. Much restored, it is one of Afghanistan's most glorious monuments. Outside Mazar-i Sharif lies the ancient city of Balkh. The city is a centre for the traditional buzkashi sport, and the Blue Mosque is the focus of northern Afghanistan's Nowruz celebration. Although most Muslims believe that the real grave of Ali is found within Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq, others still come to Mazar-i-Sharif to pay respect.
  Airports
  Mazar-i-Sharif Airport – serves the population of Balkh Province and is also used by NATO-led forces, including the Afghan Air Force. It is being expanded to become the 4th international airport in Afghanistan.
  Mosques
  Shrine of Ali
  Parks and monuments
  Maulana Jalaludin Cultural Park
  Tashkurgan Palace
  Governors Palace
  Mazar-i-Sharif Gate
  Khalid Ibn-al Walid Park
  Universities
  Balkh University
  Aria University
  Sadat University
  Mawlana University
  Taj University
  Hospitals
  Regional Hospital of Mazar-i-Sharif
  Saleha Bayat Hospital
  Afghan National Army Regional Hospital at Camp Shaheen
  Hotels
  Serena Hotel Mazar-i-Sharif
  Aros-e-Shahr
  Mazar Hotel
  Farhat Hotel
  Kefayat hotel
  Barat Hotel
  Shinwari hotel
  Marco Polo hoteland hamsafar hotel
  Banks
  Da Afghanistan Bank
  Afghanistan International Bank (AIB)
  Kabul Bank
  Azizi Bank
  Pashtany Bank
  Social Organizations
  Balkh Youth Conformity Association
caption: Mazar-i-Sharif Gate under construction (July 2012)
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