Shahr-e Zuhak (Zahak Historical Site) is another ruins where is located in Bamiyan city. In 13th century the city has destroyed by angry Mongol army of Cenghis Khan. The city was under the control of Khwarazmian dynasty before the Mongol invasion. Turkic dynasties was ruling whole Afghanistan since 8th century. The city was also known as Red City after the Mongol destruction. It is said Mongols army killed too much civilians there and walls, roads and ramparts of the city turned into red because of blood spilling. It is why Shahr-e Zuhak started to call as Red City after the invasion.
If you will visit Bamyan city, we recommed you to see ruins of the city.
History of Shahr-e Zuhak
The city was controlled by Turkic dynasties for ages until Mongol invasion. After the relative of Genghis Khan killed in Turkic and Mongol wars in Afghanistan, Genghis Khan took control of the army to attack Afghanistan. After Parwan Battle, Khwarazmian dynasty won the war however their army has weakened seriously. They couldn’t manage to stop Genghis Khan and Afghanistan citadels and castles were open to attack.
After the desruction of Shahr-e Gholghola, Genghis Khan targeted Zuhak where has helped to Gholghola during the Mongol siege. Unlike Gholghola, inhabitants of the city wasn’t very lucky because it has falled in a few days against Mongolian armies. The city has been destroyed by Mongol forces. Soon after the conquest of the city, Mongol forces attacked Buddhas of Bamiyan.
Ruins of the city still located at the east of Bamiyan city at the moment.
How to Travel Zuhak
Shahr-e Zuhak is located east of Bamiyan city. You will need to travel Bamyan first to arrive to the ruins. Since there is an airport in this location, you can arrive to Bamyan from all large cities of Afghanistan through a plane. The ruins are a little bit far from the city center. It will be good if you can rent a car in city or hire a taxi driver to lead you to ruins.
