Qala-i-Jangi

Qala-i-Jangi is a 19th-century fortress located near Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. Constructed in 1889 by Abdur Rahman, known as the 'Iron Amir,' it served as a significant military installation with defensive structures, including towers, meant to protect against Russian invasion and local revolts. The site has witnessed a tumultuous history, from a siege involving Russian troops in 1929 to being a stronghold during the Soviet occupation in 1979. The fort was also a strategic point during the Afghan civil conflicts, including the Taliban's occupation from 1994 until 2001 and the Battle of Qala-i-Jangi in 2001. The fort's features include a gold-domed mosque and a notable 'Pink House' built by the Soviets, highlighting its varied uses over time.