The Fort of Bost, locally referred to as Qala-e-Bost (Dari: قلعه بست; Pashto: بست کلا), is a fortification near Lashkargah in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, which is believed by some to have been built approximately 3,000 years ago.[1][2] It has been visited by many locals and foreign tourists throughout history.[3] The archaeological site covers an area of around 10 kilometers (or 8 miles).[4]
Fort of Bost | |
|---|---|
Archaeological site | |
 Ghurid dynasty arch in Qala-e-Bost | |
  Fort of Bost Location in Afghanistan | |
| Coordinates: 31°30′2″N 64°21′24″E / 31.50056°N 64.35667°E | |
| Country |  Afghanistan |
| Province | Helmand |
| District | Lashkargah |
The Fort of Bost is located at 31° 30’ 02″ N, 64° 21’ 24″ E near the convergence of the Helmand and Arghandab rivers, about a half-hour driving distance south of Lashkargah. The site is famous for its 11th century decorative arch, which appears on the 100 afghani note (Afghan currency). The arch is part of the remains of an ancient mosque. Those who visited the fortress described it as a thriving community, with many fresh fruit and date palm trees in the area.[5]
History
editIn 2006, construction began on a cobblestone road to lead from the south of Lashkargah to the Qala-e-Bost Arch (known to readers of James A. Michener's Caravans as Qala Bist.)[6] As of April 2008, it was possible to descend into an ancient shaft about 20 feet across and 200 feet deep, with a series of dark side rooms and a spiral staircase leading to the bottom. In 2020, restoration work started on the fort.[7][8]
In 2021, it became home to hundreds of people who fled Taliban clashes.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Helmand's Historic Bost Fort Left to Deteriorate". TOLOnews. 31 July 2015. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
- ^ "Helmand's Archeological Glories Vanishing". RFE/RL. July 17, 2016. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
- ^ "Thousands of people visit Helmand's historic Bost fort during Eid". Ariana News. April 14, 2024. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
- ^ "Afghan war displaced settle in the ruins of a lost city". Agence France-Presse. Gulf Today. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
- ^ "BOST – Encyclopaedia Iranica". iranicaonline.org. December 15, 1989. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
- ^ National Geographic – Qala-E-Bost Arch, Afghanistan, 1968 Archived 22 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Work Begins in Helmand's Historical Sites". TOLOnews. 23 August 2020. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
- ^ "Helmand's Bost Castle to be Restored: Officials". TOLOnews. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
- ^ "Afghan war refugees settle in the ruins of an ancient royal city". South China Morning Post. May 23, 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
External links
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