A Guide to Herat, Afghanistan's Third Largest City (updated 2024)
Herat is the third-largest city in Afghanistan and serves as the capital of Herat Province.
It is located in the western part of the country.
Let's take a look at Herat, Afghanistan.
Introduction to Herat
Herat Geography & Climate
Herat History
Herat Demographics
Herat Economy
Herat Tourism
Visiting Herat
Where to Stay in Herat
Herat is known for its historical significance as a major centre along the Silk Road. Much like a lot of cities in Afghanistan.
Throughout its history, Herat has been a crossroads for diverse cultures and empires, and it remains an essential commercial and cultural hub. This helps contribute to it being one of the more liberal areas of Afghanistan.
The city is famed for its ancient architecture, particularly the Herat Citadel and the Friday Mosque, which attract numerous visitors each year.
The name "Herat" is thought to derive from "Aria," the ancient name for the region given by the Achaemenid Empire.
In historical records, it has also been referred to as "Haraiva," which eventually evolved into "Herat."
Herat’s historical and cultural significance has made it a prominent place in Afghan history.
Herat is located in western Afghanistan, near the border with Iran and Turkmenistan.
It lies in the fertile valley of the Hari River, which has historically supported agriculture and sustained the local population.
Herat city is surrounded by arid mountains and deserts, with elevations ranging between 900 and 1,100 meters (2,950 to 3,610 feet) above sea level.
Because of this, the climate of Herat varies quite a bit. Its summers can be hot and dry. The winters are mild and wet.
Herat experiences temperature extremes, with summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) and winter temperatures occasionally falling below freezing.
The area receives limited rainfall, mostly occurring from December to March, with an annual average of around 280 mm.
Herat has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting human presence as far back as the Achaemenid Empire (6th–4th century BCE).
It was part of the ancient region of Aria and served as an important settlement along the Silk Road.
In the 4th century BCE, Alexander the Great captured Herat and established a Hellenistic city.
Herat became part of the Islamic Caliphate in the 7th century. It flourished as a centre of learning and culture under the Samanid and Ghaznavid dynasties.
It experienced significant development during the Timurid Empire in the 15th century when it became the empire's capital.
This period saw the construction of notable architectural works, including the Friday Mosque and the Herat Citadel. The city became renowned for its art, literature, and scholarship, producing celebrated poets and scholars.
In the 19th century, Herat was a focal point of conflict between the Persian and British empires, with both vying for control over Afghanistan.
It was finally incorporated into Afghanistan under the rule of Emir Abdur Rahman Khan in the late 19th century.
Herat suffered during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989), with the region seeing significant military action.
Herat is one of the most liberal provinces in Afghanistan today. Since the takeover of the Taliban, Herat retains many of the more liberal practices from before Taliban control. It is common to see women without face coverings and women wearing bright, colourful, traditional clothing.
Herat is home to an estimated population of approximately 600,000 people.
It is one of the largest cities in Afghanistan.
Herat is ethnically diverse, with Tajiks forming the majority group, followed by Hazaras, Pashtuns, Uzbeks, and other minorities. This cultural diversity contributes to its reputation as one of Afghanistan’s most cosmopolitan cities.
The primary language spoken in Herat is Dari, a dialect of Persian, though Pashto is also widely understood.
Herat's economy is a mix of agriculture, trade, and small-scale manufacturing, supported by its strategic location near Afghanistan's western border. Herat benefits from its proximity to natural resources, including the Aynak copper deposits and other mineral reserves.
The city is a major trading hub, with goods flowing in from Iran, Turkmenistan, and other neighbouring countries.
Herat is particularly known for its carpets, saffron, dried fruits, and textiles, which are key export products.
Agriculture is an important part of Herat’s economy, with the surrounding region producing wheat, cotton, grapes, and melons. In recent years, saffron cultivation has emerged as a lucrative crop, with Herat producing some of the finest saffron in the world.
The city has also seen growth in its services sector, with banking, telecommunications, and retail expanding as infrastructure improves.
The Herat Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Alexander, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Originally built by Alexander the Great and later reconstructed, the citadel offers a glimpse into Herat’s ancient history and has been restored to attract visitors.
The Friday Mosque (Jama Masjid), with its exquisite tilework and large courtyard, is another major attraction, showcasing the city’s Islamic architectural heritage.
Herat is also home to the Mausoleum of Gawhar Shad, a Timurid-era structure built in honour of Queen Gawhar Shad, a prominent patron of the arts during the Timurid dynasty.
Other notable sites include the Musalla Complex, a collection of historic minarets and mausoleums that reflect the city’s medieval grandeur.
These structures draw both local and international visitors interested in Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage.
Herat celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, including Nowruz (Persian New Year), which marks the beginning of spring.
The city’s vibrant bazaars and traditional music performances during these events offer tourists a unique experience of Afghan culture.
Herat is connected to major Afghan cities and neighbouring countries via highways, including routes to Iran and Turkmenistan, which facilitate trade and travel.
You can fly to Herat from Kabul.
Public transportation within the city includes buses, taxis, and private vehicles, though road infrastructure can be limited outside the city centre.
Coming soon...
[email protected] | + 86 10 6416 7544
WhatsApp (message only): +44 7822 014058
Room A409, Jucai Building. No. 76 Caoyuan Hutong.
Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100027, PR China
中国北京市东城区草园胡同76号聚才大厦A 座409 室,
邮编：100027
Download contact card