http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Coat_of_arms_of_Afghanistan.svg/204px-Coat_of_arms_of_Afghanistan.svg.png


http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/lgcolor/afcolor.gif

From Wiki:
Herāt (Persian: هرات‎ ) is a city in western Afghanistan, in the province also known as Herāt. It is situated just north of, and in the valley of, the Hari Rud, a river flowing from the mountains of central Afghanistan to the Kara-Kum Desert in Turkmenistan. Situated in a fertile river valley, Herāt was traditionally known for its wine. It is the third largest city of Afghanistan, with a population of 249,000 (2002 official estimate). The main inhabitants of the city are Farsiwans, although in many sources they are generally referred to as Tajiks[2][3].

Herat is an ancient city with many historic buildings, although these have suffered damage in various military conflicts during the last few decades. The city is dominated by the remains of a citadel constructed under the rule of Alexander of Macedon. Herāt is situated favourably on the ancient and historic trade routes of India, China, the Middle East, and Europe. The roads from Herāt to Iran, Turkmenistan, Mazari Sharif and Kandahar are still strategically important.

Herat was one of the important cities of Khorasan and known as the Pearl of Khorasan.


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Museum of war
http://static.flickr.com/108/285784518_d784087a0f_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/120/285784511_f408d4c6fb_o.jpg

Mosalla menirates
http://static.flickr.com/117/285784505_b4eb129683_o.jpg

Tomb of queen Gowharshad
http://static.flickr.com/120/285784502_b10fec8b60_o.jpg

Blue Mosque/Masjed-e hameh
http://static.flickr.com/110/285784494_aef63d0a8e_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/122/285771000_585d79ba81_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/113/285779343_2ce8cf58d5_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/33/285779332_b8c37c7416_o.jpg

Official complex
http://static.flickr.com/106/285779326_32e63e67a7_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/112/285762024_b899b221c2_o.jpg

Modern built house in Herat
http://static.flickr.com/107/285776029_93b069a8dc_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/99/285776033_fcfeba6202_o.jpg

Safi residential complex
http://static.flickr.com/71/285776028_531aa420b6_o.jpg

Arg-e Herat, Herat's hestoric castle
http://static.flickr.com/109/285771002_f973f52e66_o.jpg

Kabul bank branch in Herat
http://static.flickr.com/110/285771012_2a9659ad71_o.jpg

A monument in the western entrance of Herat
http://static.flickr.com/122/285770997_cb8dba40a6_o.jpg

Khane Jahad
http://static.flickr.com/109/285770991_2ab07b67ec_o.jpg

Tomb of Mirwais Sadeq, Afghan late minister of Aviation in Herat
http://static.flickr.com/101/285762025_8fefaeadc9_o.jpg

Modern built house in Herat
http://static.flickr.com/101/285762023_7ca50642cb_o.jpg

Safi twins towers
http://static.flickr.com/104/285758587_92b86d4781_o.jpg

Safi blocks
http://static.flickr.com/100/285758579_ac6ae7b7de_o.jpg

Park-e mellat (nation) in Herat
http://static.flickr.com/112/285758583_b8acfcacde_o.jpg

Five Star Hotel in Herat
http://static.flickr.com/101/285758533_d433549510_o.jpg

Herat custom office
http://static.flickr.com/119/285758575_3482f885fe_o.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/Photo_1/herat_0002.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/Photo_1/herat_0003.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/Photo_1/herat_0006.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/Photo_1/herat_0008.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/Photo_1/herat_0009.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/Photo_1/herat_0010.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_15.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_16.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_25.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_27.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_01.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_02.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/new-herat/photo/New_Herat_10.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_001.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_003.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_004.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_009.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_011.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_012.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_013.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_05/herat_018.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_03/herat_014.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_03/herat_005.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_03/herat_010.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_03/herat_009.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_01/DSC00264.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_01/DSC00266.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_01/DSC00331.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_09/herat_001.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_08/herat_014.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_08/herat_010.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_08/herat_003.jpg

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http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_07/herat_008.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_07/herat_006.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_07/herat_007.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_07/herat_013.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_12/herat_010.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_12/herat_007.jpg

http://www.herat.co.uk/picture/Herat_Photo/herat_10/herat_009.jpg

Wow didnt know there were so many modern builidings im not trying to be rude by Afghanistan has suffered a lot in the last 25 years. Looks good and better than Kabul.

^^ I agree. I think that "Herat" is the most progressive city in Afghanistan.

If you're interested, here is a "Kabul" thread that I made not so long ago.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=398955&highlight=Kabul

Thanks. Very nice residential buildings and architecture.
Very informative too.

Main entry to Herat’s National Park - “Park-e Melli”
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0400.JPG

New residential buildings
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0268.JPG

"More and more modern high-rises appear in the centre of Herat"
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0270.JPG

A five star hotel under construction.
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0410.JPG

Herat University’s main building
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG1129.JPG

Public Library and Museum
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG1144.JPG

Marco Polo Hotel. One of the most popular Hotels in town
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG1181.JPG

"An example of the type of modern architecture in vogue in wealthier quarters of the city"
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0140.JPG

"Main road linking the airport to downtown Herat. The road is typically surrounded by shady trees."
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0126.JPG

"A policeman is regulating the traffic in the snow-covered city"
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0806.JPG

"One of the main streets in the city’s downtown.
It is close to a new shopping mall called “Day to Day” and also to the “Masjid Jame” mosque."
http://afghanobserver.com//MultiMedia/Pictures/Amiri_Herat/CIMG0242.JPG

Herat is kool.. much tidier than i expected... its funny to see how much Iranian construction companies have worked in Herat... really typical Iranian construction designs in a lot of those pics :)

lol was thinking the same shugs, btw melli means national not nation i think...

Wow. Im impressed, looks better than even some cities of neighbouring countries. ;)

This is the only city in Afghanistan with 24/7 electricity, just a funny note. :P

great picture ,
never expected that a city of afganistan could be so good especially after decade of wars .

just wondering that, are those building were built during taleban or after U.S invasion.

I'm not sure but I think most of the new structures are from 2004 to the present.

The reason behind the huge success in Herat is due to heavy influence of Iran. The people that live in Herat have similar language dilact as " farsi" language of Iran. Heavy iranian investement and guidance has helped Herat be the best province in Afghanistan. It is also true that it is the only region with 24/7 electricity. Most of the great farsi speaking philosphers, professors, and educated people of afghanistan are in the Herat region. This is all due to Iran's help

Nice architecture!!!

http://www.afghana.com/Map/herat.gif

beautiful pictures Stormshadow, a lot of this development is from Afghan-Iranian business cooperation? By the way, where did you get these pictures from?

^^
According to some of our members here, it seems that the business cooperation is Afghan-Iranian related.

I've searched various sources for these photos. On the top first selection of photos the title of the web-page is there.

Iran strengthens ties with Afghanistan http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/File-Based_Image_Resource/from_provider_ap.gif

By Fisnik Abrashi, Associated Press Writer | November 29, 2006


HERAT, Afghanistan --From cheap ice cream to 24-hour electricity, Iran is strengthening economic ties with western Afghanistan that could undermine support for U.S. and NATO forces.
Article Tools

Western Afghanistan has a newly paved 75-mile stretch of highway between the Iranian border and its main city, Herat, courtesy of the Islamic republic. Iran is also considering building a rail line on the busy route, and has pledged another $560 million to help rebuild Afghan infrastructure and businesses.

Tehran has built 10 schools and several clinics in western Afghanistan, and paid for the equipment to provide electricity 24 hours a day in Herat, unlike in most other parts of the country, including the capital, Kabul.

Iranian influence here dates back to ancient times and, while dependent on US military and financial support, the Afghan government tries not to antagonize Iran, which currently houses about 2 mln Afghan refugees.



http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2006/11/29/iran_strengthens_ties_with_afghanistan/

http://molly.honjyo.reccs.akita-pu.ac.jp/tgg/Media/herat/herat.18.jpg


Thats a well preserved citadel!

dts amazing..... really neva thought dt there wud b sum buildings kyk these in afghanistan..... mashallah finally Afghanistan is commin bak 2 normal

Thanks Gilg. :okay:

Shehr-e-no Chowk (new city square)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/334109937_eff0d0c563_o.jpg

Herat Fort
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/351577031_1e25c01460_o.jpg

Herat airport
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/281280503_3353e7d39f_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/281286711_62f37890fc_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/281283867_5fa45981fb_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/111/281284624_5fc055bfae_o.jpg

http://www.monocle.com/upload/Volumes/01/Issue04/m_drugsguns/article_large_drugsguns.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7600/1heratqd2.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5051/2heratdf6.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9424/3herathn1.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1816/4heratvf0.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/921/img0119mm7.jpg

What are these huge pillars in the above pic? They are a bit scary :ohno:

I visited the Kabul thread first and was shocked to see the conditions. Herat was such a relief.

Herat is more beauty that Kabul! Nice city :cheers:

Herat Commercial Center
http://a.imagehost.org/0558/herat1.jpg

5-Star Hotel of Herat
http://a.imagehost.org/0869/herat2.jpg

Citadel
http://a.imagehost.org/0664/herat3.jpg



Images by Afghanistan with Love

Very Nice, way better than Kabul!

shame on you , iran just wana do the things to damage afghanistan nothing else , iranian can not see us in developing processes, that is the truth ..........iran is jsut our big enemy , they have jsut improved Taliban and iranian just encouraged taliban to damage afgahnistan again

shame on you , iran just wana do the things to damage afghanistan nothing else , iranian can not see us in developing processes, that is the truth ..........iran is jsut our big enemy , they have jsut improved Taliban and iranian just encouraged taliban to damage afgahnistan again

Thank you so much for the pics!

nice city

That's true that Iran has help to reconstruction process of Herat. But, you should remember most of the big projects have been done by Italy which is securing the west region of Afghanistan. The main reason to this progress is that Herat's culture is different from other parts of Afghanistan and is away from Pashtuns. One of the friends, Nainawaaz, said most of sophisticated peole of Afghanistan are from Herat due to Iran's help! You know that Herat was known as pearl of (the Greater) Khorasan in the past and most of poets and scientists came from the Ancient Herat. This city has been flatten with ground three times in the history and people rebuilt it again and again. In the past there were no Iranian mullahs to help the reconstruction. The history repeats itself again in Herat during the modern time. Although, I appreciate all support that we get from Iran. I don't wanna deny that. What I am saying is such a big city needs lots of money to come back and only one country cann't cause it to happen. I got some photos from Herat on October 2010. You can view them in this thread >>>
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=69943167#post69943167

^^
Herat is a Tajik's city?