Zadian (Pashto/Persian: زادیان) is a village in Dawlatabad District, Balkh Province in northern Afghanistan.[1]

Zadian
زادیان
Zadian is located in Afghanistan
Zadian
Zadian
Location in Afghanistan
Coordinates: 37°1′29″N 66°56′37″E / 37.02472°N 66.94361°E / 37.02472; 66.94361
Country Afghanistan
ProvinceBalkh Province
Time zoneUTC+04:30
 • Summer (DST)Afghanistan Time

History

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The Zadian Minaret (named after the village) was built by the Seljuk dynasty, during the 12th century. According to the Archaeological Gazetteer of Afghanistan, the minaret was built in 1108–09.[2][3] However, some archaeological studies suggest that the date of the construction of the minaret is approximately around the year 760.[4] As the minaret is climbable, local citizens have scaled the tower and some have fallen to their deaths in attempts.[2] Near the minaret is the Shrine of Hazrat Saleh, which is an Islamic pilgrim site.[2]

In the 12th century, the village was missed by Genghis Khan and the invading Mongols.[5]

Archaeology has taken place in the village, including works by the French Archaeological Delegation in Afghanistan (DAFA).

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References

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  1. ^ "NGA GeoName Database". National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Archived from the original on 2008-06-08. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  2. ^ a b c "History in Stone". Washington Examiner. 2009-03-23. Retrieved 2020-03-14.
  3. ^ "Rationale of the study". european-science.com. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
  4. ^ "Mazar-e-Sharif Tour". Afghanistan Travel Guide. 2014-09-15. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
  5. ^ "Silk Road jewel reveals its treasures". BBC News. 2013-10-20. Retrieved 2020-03-14.