Understand Kandahar
History
From Achaemenid Arachosia and Alexander's outpost to Mirwais Hotak's revolt and the Durrani Empire — why Kandahar keeps deciding Afghanistan's fate.
Culture
Pashtunwali, khamak embroidery, attan, poetry and the distinct Kandahari dialect of Pashto.
Geography & climate
A desert-edge city at ~1,010 m, kept alive by the Arghandab River and one of Asia's oldest irrigation cultures.
Districts
The province's districts mapped — from the orchards of Arghandab to the border crossing at Spin Boldak.
Economy
Fruit exports, cross-border trade with Pakistan, crafts, and the Aino Mena development.
Notable people
Kings, poets, wrestlers and cricketers: the Kandaharis who shaped the region and beyond.
See & taste
Places to see
The Shrine of the Cloak, Ahmad Shah's mausoleum, Chil Zena's forty steps, Baba Wali and the old bazaars.
All landmarks →Kandahari food
Kandahari pulao, lamb karahi, sheen chai and bread pulled hot from clay tandoors.
The cuisine →Pomegranates
Kandahar's anar are exported across Asia and prized as the world's best. Varieties, season, and why they taste different here.
The famous anar →Kandahar at a glance
| Status | Capital of Kandahar Province; second-largest city in Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Population | Roughly 650,000 in the city; over 1.4 million in the province (estimates) |
| Elevation | About 1,010 m (3,310 ft) |
| Founded | Ancient origins; modern city laid out by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747 |
| Language | Pashto (Kandahari dialect); Dari widely understood |
| Climate | Hot desert (Köppen BWh) — long dry summers, mild winters |
| River | Arghandab, a tributary of the Helmand |
| Known for | Pomegranates, grapes and raisins, the Shrine of the Cloak, Durrani heritage |
Common questions
Why is Kandahar called the birthplace of modern Afghanistan? Is it safe to visit? What does the name mean? We answer these and more on the FAQ page.