Mazar-e-Sharif
Background
Mazar-e-Sharif is the second largest city in Afghanistan and is the capital of the Balkh province. The population is approximately 700,000 and it is situated 270km from Kabul and 90km from the border with Uzbekistan. Mazar-e-Sharif is one of Afghanistan's most fertile regions, producing cotton, grain and fruit. Industries of Mazar-e-Sharif include flour mills and the manufacturing of silk and cotton textiles.
Charkent
Charkent is one of the poor, mountainous villages in Mazar city, which has a population of 70,000 people. It is 50km from the centre of the city and the village has 76 sub-villages. Charkent has serious health and educational problems. The village has only one clinic, to which local villagers seeking medical assistance must walk for one day due to its location. In addition, children do not go to school due to the lack of primary and high schools in the village.
Read an article by Medecins Sans Frontières Australia: http://www.msf.org.au/stories/twfeature/2004/043twf.shtml
Blue Mosque
The historic Blue Mosque (note: link opens a new window) is located in Mazar-e-Sharif where the tomb of Hazarate Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad, is housed. The mosque was first built in 1136. The shrine was destroyed by Genghis Khan but was rebuilt in the 15th century.
View some images of the Mazar-e-Sharif area, showing conditions at the medical clinic, the roads etc.
(Note: link opens a new window).