Latitude: 36-36' North
Longitude: 66-53' East
Area: 4633 miles squared
Population: 570,000 people
Capital: Mazar-i-Shaif
History: Balkh was initially known as Bactria until the Islamic culture overtook the region. During the Macedonian occupation, the area was well known for it's fertile land and rich culture. Initially Balkh was located near the river Oxus, but presently the Oxus river has shifted further away. During the assimilation of the Greek culture, Zoroastrianism was the main religion of the region. The population of the area consisted mainly of Scythians, but over time the Aryans became the dominant race of Balkh. In 328 B.C. Alexander the Great established a Greek colony at Balkh. Then in the 8th century the region was seized by the Islamic culture. Balkh became an important Islamic regious city. Gangis Khan later sacked the city in 1221 A.D., and was left in ruin until the city was rebuilt in 16th century by Timur. The power eventually resided to the Uzbeks, and then to the Mongul empire. Nadir Shah then overtook the city in 1850. Balkh was annexed to the unified kingdom of Afganistan where it presently stays.
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