Balkh

The nickname of Balkh is 'the mother of all cities'.

Balkh is well known to Buddhists as the hometown of Trapusa and Bahalika, who became Buddha's first disciples.

The most remarkable Buddhist monastery in Balkh was the Nava Vihara, which possessed a gigantic statue of Gautama Buddha.

The earlier Buddhist constructions in Balkh have proved more durable than the Islamic buildings.

Balkh had a major role in the development of the Persian language and literature, with many famous Persian poets originating from the city.