Ghazni Province: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Fareed30 (talk | contribs)
1,789 edits
No edit summary
Line 4: Line 4:
| native_name_lang = pa
| native_name_lang = pa
| settlement_type = Province
| settlement_type = Province
| image_skyline =
| image_skyline = Snow covered mountains in Ghazni.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| image_caption = Snow covered mountains in Ghazni Province
| image_flag =
| image_flag =
| flag_alt =
| flag_alt =
Line 29: Line 29:
| coordinates_footnotes =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Afghanistan
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Afghanistan}}
| established_title =
| established_title =
| established_date =
| established_date =
Line 50: Line 50:
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_m =
| population_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =<ref name=cso/>
| population_total = 931000
| population_total = 1168800
| population_as_of =
| population_as_of = 2012
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_demonym =
| population_note =
| population_note =
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Languages of Afghanistan|Main languages]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Languages of Afghanistan|Main languages]]
| blank_info_sec1 = [[Pashto language|Pashto]]
| blank_info_sec1 = [[Pashto language|Pashto]]<br>[[Dari (Persian dialect)]]
| timezone1 = UTC+4:30
| timezone1 = UTC+4:30
| utc_offset1 =
| utc_offset1 =
Line 71: Line 71:
}}
}}


'''Ghazni''' ({{lang-ps|غزني}})({{lang-fa|غزنی}}) is one of the thirty-four [[provinces of Afghanistan]]. [[Babur]] records in his Babur-Nama that Ghazni is also known as [[Zabulistan]]<ref>Babur-Nama Translated from the original Turki Text of Zahirud'd-din Muhammad BABUR padshah Ghazi by Annette Susannah Beveridge Vol1 and 11 Published by Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, Page 217</ref> It is in the east of the country. Its capital is [[Ghazni|Ghazni City]]. The province lies on the important [[Kabul-Kandahar highway|Kabul to Kandahar road]], and has historically functioned as an important trade center between those two major cities.
'''Ghazni''' ({{lang-ps|غزني}})({{lang-fa|غزنی}}) is one of the thirty-four [[provinces of Afghanistan]]. It lies on the important [[Kabul-Kandahar highway|Kabul to Kandahar road]], and has historically functioned as an important trade center between those two major cities. The province contains 19 [[Districts of Afghanistan|districts]], encompassing over 1,000s villages, and roughly 1.1 million settled and nomadic people.<ref name=nps/> [[Ghazni]] serves as the provincial capital.

[[Babur]] records in his [[Baburnama|memoirs]] that Ghazni is also known as [[Zabulistan]]<ref>Babur-Nama Translated from the original Turki Text of Zahirud'd-din Muhammad BABUR padshah Ghazi by Annette Susannah Beveridge Vol1 and 11 Published by Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, Page 217</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==


The ancient name for Ghazni was ‘Ghzank’ from the Persian and Saskrit word meaning ‘treasure’.
The ancient name for Ghazni was ‘Ghzank’ from the Persian and Sanskrit word meaning ‘treasure’.


==History==
==History==

===Buddhism and Indian influence===
Ghazni was a thriving [[Buddhist]] center before and during the 7th century AD. Excavations have revealed religious artifacts of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Ghazni was a thriving [[Buddhist]] center before and during the 7th century AD. Excavations have revealed religious artifacts of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
{{cquote|The two other great Buddhist centers, Fondukistan and Tepe-e-sardar (Ghazni) in its later phase are a very different matter and display another phase of influences coming from India from the seventh to eighth century. The representations show themes from [[Mahayana]] iconography and even in the case of the latter site assume [[Vajrayana|Tantric]] aspects which had already established themselves in the large Indian monasteries like [[Nalanda]].<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=9gc4AAAAIAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=%22Gaulier%22+%22Buddhism+in+Afghanistan+and+Central+Asia%22+&ots=tMzLMM0g0d&sig=uDB4fR2yeLXEGpZ4ZQ7cnMREykE#PPA2,M1|title= ''Buddhism in Afghanistan and Central Asia'' |author=Simone Gaulier, Robert Jera-Bezard, Monique |page=2|publisher=Books.google.com|accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref>}}
{{quote|"The two other great Buddhist centers, Fondukistan and Tepe-e-sardar (Ghazni) in its later phase are a very different matter and display another phase of influences coming from India from the seventh to eighth century. The representations show themes from [[Mahayana]] iconography and even in the case of the latter site assume [[Vajrayana|Tantric]] aspects which had already established themselves in the large Indian monasteries like [[Nalanda]]."<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=9gc4AAAAIAAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=%22Gaulier%22+%22Buddhism+in+Afghanistan+and+Central+Asia%22+&ots=tMzLMM0g0d&sig=uDB4fR2yeLXEGpZ4ZQ7cnMREykE#PPA2,M1|title= ''Buddhism in Afghanistan and Central Asia'' |author=Simone Gaulier, Robert Jera-Bezard, Monique |page=2|publisher=Books.google.com|accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref>}}


{{Cquote|Another important site is that of Tepe Sardar (better known as Tepe-yi Nagara, Tepe of the kettledrum) near Ghazni, which was occupied until perhaps the eighth century AD. From this period dates a huge statue of the Parinirvana Buddha (Buddha lying down at the end of his cycle of rebirths) of unbaked clay. A very similar statue has been found just north of Afghanistan, at the site of Adzhina tepe in Tajikistan. Yet what is most interesting was the find at the same site of a statue of the [[Hindu]] deity Durga Mahishasura-mardini.<ref>''The Afghans'' By Willem Vogelsang Edition: illustrated
{{quote|"Another important site is that of Tepe Sardar (better known as Tepe-yi Nagara, Tepe of the kettledrum) near Ghazni, which was occupied until perhaps the eighth century AD. From this period dates a huge statue of the Parinirvana Buddha (Buddha lying down at the end of his cycle of rebirths) of unbaked clay. A very similar statue has been found just north of Afghanistan, at the site of Adzhina tepe in Tajikistan. Yet what is most interesting was the find at the same site of a statue of the [[Hindu]] deity Durga Mahishasura-mardini."<ref>''The Afghans'' By Willem Vogelsang Edition: illustrated
Published by Blackwell Publishing, 2002 Page 185</ref> }}
Published by Blackwell Publishing, 2002 Page 185</ref> }}


In 644 AD, the Chinese pilgrim [[Hsüan-tsang]] visited Jaguda, Ghazni, while travelling from the country of [[Varnu]], crossing the land of O-po-kien (Afghans i.e. [[Pashtun people|Pashtuns]]).<ref>BA Litvinsky, Zhang Guand-Da, R. Shabani Samghabadi, ''History of civilizations of Central Asia'', pg. 385</ref><ref>Hui-li, 1959, p. 188</ref>
In 644 AD, the Chinese pilgrim [[Hsüan-tsang]] visited Jaguda, Ghazni, while travelling from the country of [[Varnu]], crossing the land of O-po-kien (Afghans i.e. [[Pashtun people|Pashtuns]]).<ref>BA Litvinsky, Zhang Guand-Da, R. Shabani Samghabadi, ''History of civilizations of Central Asia'', pg. 385</ref><ref>Hui-li, 1959, p. 188</ref>


===Advent of Islam===
===Islamization===
{{See also|Islamic conquest of Afghanistan}}
[[File:Ghazni-Minaret.jpg|thumb|150px|The minaret of [[Ghazni]], built by [[Bahram Shah]] during the [[Ghaznavid Empire]].]]
In 683 [[AD]], [[Umayyad|Arab armies]] brought [[Islam]] to the area and attempted to conquer the capital of Ghazni but the local tribes fiercely resisted. Its resistance was so famed that [[Ya'qub bin Laith as-Saffar|Yaqub Saffari]] (840-879) from [[Zaranj]] made an example of Ghazni when he ranged the vast region conquering in the name of Islam. The city was completely destroyed by the [[Saffarids]] in 869.<ref Name=Dupree9>{{cite web|title=Nancy Hatch Dupree - Chapter 9 (Ghazni)|url=http://www.zharov.com/dupree/chapter09.html|publisher=Zharov.com|accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> A substantial portion of the local population including Hindus and Buddhists were converted to Islam by Mahmud of Ghazni<ref>''The Wonder that was India II'' by S A Rizvi; published by Picador India; page 16</ref>
In 683 [[AD]], [[Umayyad|Arab armies]] brought [[Islam]] to the area and attempted to conquer the capital of Ghazni but the local tribes fiercely resisted. Its resistance was so famed that [[Ya'qub bin Laith as-Saffar|Yaqub Saffari]] (840-879) from [[Zaranj]] made an example of Ghazni when he ranged the vast region conquering in the name of Islam. The city was completely destroyed by the [[Saffarids]] in 869.<ref Name=Dupree9>{{cite web|title=Nancy Hatch Dupree - Chapter 9 (Ghazni)|url=http://www.zharov.com/dupree/chapter09.html|publisher=Zharov.com|accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> A substantial portion of the local population including Hindus and Buddhists were converted to Islam by Mahmud of Ghazni<ref>''The Wonder that was India II'' by S A Rizvi; published by Picador India; page 16</ref>


{{cquote|There is no evidence that Ghazna had previously formed part of the [[Samanid]] kingdom. It had been previously overrun with the whole of [[Zabulistan]] and [[Kabul]] by the [[Saffarid Dynasty|Saffari]]s by 260 (873) but it is doubtful how far their power was permanent and even when the Samanids became paramount there is no evidence that [[Kabul]] or Ghazna were under them. The ruler of Ghazna is described as ''Padshah'' and was allied to the [[Hindushahi]]s of Kabul. These titles were not as yet used by the Muhammadan rulers. The Padshah [[Abu Ali Lawik|Lavik]] was probably a Hindu chief even though some passages in the Tabakth i Nisiri give him the name of ''Abu Bakr or Abu Ali''.<ref>E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936, Volume 2 By Martijn Theodoor Houtsma; page 154</ref>}}
{{quote|"There is no evidence that Ghazna had previously formed part of the [[Samanid]] kingdom. It had been previously overrun with the whole of [[Zabulistan]] and [[Kabul]] by the [[Saffarid Dynasty|Saffari]]s by 260 (873) but it is doubtful how far their power was permanent and even when the Samanids became paramount there is no evidence that [[Kabul]] or Ghazna were under them. The ruler of Ghazna is described as ''Padshah'' and was allied to the [[Hindushahi]]s of Kabul. These titles were not as yet used by the Muhammadan rulers. The Padshah [[Abu Ali Lawik|Lavik]] was probably a Hindu chief even though some passages in the Tabakth i Nisiri give him the name of ''Abu Bakr or Abu Ali''."<ref>E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936, Volume 2 By Martijn Theodoor Houtsma; page 154</ref>}}

[[File:Ghazni-Minaret.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The minaret of [[Ghazni]], built by [[Bahram Shah]] during the [[Ghaznavid Empire]].]]


After the rebuilding of the city by Yaqub's brother, it became the dazzling capital of the [[Ghaznavid Empire]] from 994 to 1160, encompassing much of northern [[India]], [[Persia]] and [[Central Asia]]. Many iconoclastic campaigns were launched from Ghazni into India. The Ghaznavids took Islam to India and returned with fabulous riches taken from both prince and temple god. Contemporary visitors and residents at Ghazni write with wonder of the ornateness of the buildings, the great libraries, the sumptuousness of the court ceremonies and of the wealth of precious objects owned by Ghazni's citizens.
After the rebuilding of the city by Yaqub's brother, it became the dazzling capital of the [[Ghaznavid Empire]] from 994 to 1160, encompassing much of northern [[India]], [[Persia]] and [[Central Asia]]. Many iconoclastic campaigns were launched from Ghazni into India. The Ghaznavids took Islam to India and returned with fabulous riches taken from both prince and temple god. Contemporary visitors and residents at Ghazni write with wonder of the ornateness of the buildings, the great libraries, the sumptuousness of the court ceremonies and of the wealth of precious objects owned by Ghazni's citizens.


[[Ferishta]] records attacks by Mahomed Ghori: "at the same time most of the infidels who inhabited the mountains between Ghazni and the Indus were also converted , some by force and others by persuasion."<ref>''Ferishta'' translated by John Briggs; page 104</ref> Ghazni's eponymous capital was razed in 1151 by the [[Ghurids|Ghorid]] Alauddin. It again flourished but only to be permanently devastated, this time in 1221 by [[Genghis Khan]] and his [[Mongols|Mongol armies]] after 6 years of [[Khwarezmid Empire|Khwarezmid]] rule. Ghazni's strategic position, both economically and militarily, assured its revival,{{When|date=November 2010}} albeit without its dazzling former grandeur.
===Attack by Mahomed Ghori===
The historian [[Ferishta]] records attacks by Mahomed Ghori: "at the same time most of the infidels who inhabited the mountains between Ghazni and the Indus were also converted , some by force and others by persuasion."<ref>''Ferishta'' translated by John Briggs; page 104</ref> Ghazni's eponymous capital was razed in 1151 by the [[Ghurids|Ghorid]] Alauddin. It again flourished but only to be permanently devastated, this time in 1221 by [[Genghis Khan]] and his [[Mongols|Mongol armies]] after 6 years of [[Khwarezmid Empire|Khwarezmid]] rule. Ghazni's strategic position, both economically and militarily, assured its revival,{{When|date=November 2010}} albeit without its dazzling former grandeur. Through the centuries the city figures prominently as the all important key to the possession of Kabul.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}


Ghazni is also famous for its [[minaret]]s built on a stellar plan. They date from the middle of the twelfth century and are the surviving element of the [[mosque]] of Bahramshah. Their sides are decorated with geometric patterns. Upper sections of the minarets have been damaged or destroyed. The most important [[mausoleum]] located in Ghazni is that of [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmud's]]. Others include the tombs of poets and scientists, for example [[Al Biruni]] and [[Sanai|Sanayee]]. The only ruins in Old Ghazni retaining a semblance of architectural form are two towers, about 43&nbsp;m (140&nbsp;ft) high and some 365 m (1,200&nbsp;ft) apart. According to inscriptions, the towers were constructed by [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] and his son.
Ghazni is also famous for its [[minaret]]s built on a stellar plan. They date from the middle of the twelfth century and are the surviving element of the [[mosque]] of Bahramshah. Their sides are decorated with geometric patterns. Upper sections of the minarets have been damaged or destroyed. The most important [[mausoleum]] located in Ghazni is that of [[Mahmud of Ghazni|Sultan Mahmud's]]. Others include the tombs of poets and scientists, for example [[Al Biruni]] and [[Sanai|Sanayee]]. The only ruins in Old Ghazni retaining a semblance of architectural form are two towers, about 43&nbsp;m (140&nbsp;ft) high and some 365 m (1,200&nbsp;ft) apart. According to inscriptions, the towers were constructed by [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] and his son.


During the [[First Anglo-Afghan War]], the Ghazni's capital city was stormed and taken over by the British forces on July 23, 1839 in the [[Battle of Ghazni]]. The [[Afghan Civil War]] and the continued conflict between the [[Taliban]] and the [[Afghan Northern Alliance]] during the 1990s put the relics of Ghazni in jeopardy. The Taliban placed Fazl Uddin in charge of protecting the artifacts. In the 1960s a 15-meter female Buddha was discovered lying on its back and surrounded by empty pillars that once held rows of smaller male Buddhas. Parts of the female Buddha have been stolen. In the 1980s a mud brick shelter was created to protect the sculpture, but the wood supports were stolen for firewood and the shelter partially collapsed.
===Preservation of historical artifacts===
During the [[First Anglo-Afghan War]], the Ghazni's capital city was stormed and taken over by the British forces on July 23, 1839 in the [[Battle of Ghazni]]. The [[Afghan Civil War]] and the continued conflict between the [[Taliban]] and the [[Afghan Northern Alliance]] during the 1990s put the relics of Ghazni in jeopardy. The Taliban placed Fazl Uddin in charge of protecting the artifacts. In the 1960s a 15-meter female Buddha was discovered lying on its back and surrounded by empty pillars that once held rows of smaller male Buddhas. Parts of the female Buddha have been stolen. In the 1980s a mud brick shelter was created to protect the sculpture, but the wood supports were stolen for firewood and the shelter partially collapsed. <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[File:battleofghazni.jpg|thumb|280px|left|The [[Battle of Ghazni]] in 1839]] -->


===Recent history===
==Political and security situation==
[[File:Operacja Passage Afganistan.jpg|thumb|right|Polish forces in Rashidan district during "Operation Passage", 2009]]
[[File:Operacja Passage Afganistan.jpg|thumb|[[Poland|Polish]] forces in [[Rashidan District|Rashidan district]] during "Operation Passage" in 2009.]]
[[File:Afghanistan chat -- Sgt. Joshua Smith.jpg|thumb|Sgt. Joshua Smith, US Army, chats with an Afghan boy during an Afghan-led clearing operation in southern Ghazni, 2012.]]
[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 120428-A-3108M-007.jpg|thumb|U.S. paratroopers and [[Afghan National Army|Afghan soldiers]] move into a village during a combined patrol in 2012.]]
[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 120508-A-3108M-017.jpg|thumb|U.S. Army 1st Nalise Gaither, left, hands out [[candy]] to children during a foot patrol in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province, May 8, 2012. Gaither, a leader for a female engagement team, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]
Like many southern Afghan provinces, Ghazni has a precarious security situation. The [[Taliban]] are reported to control most of the rural areas outside of the capital,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iwpr.net/?p=arr&s=f&o=261314&apc_state=henh |title=Institute for War and Peace Reporting |publisher=Iwpr.net |date=2006-05-05 |accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> and are heavily involved in attacks on provincial schools and government infrastructure. The province has avoided the outright warfare seen in other areas of Afghanistan such as [[Helmand Province]] and [[Kandahar Province]], but that is due more to political expediency and the tactical plans of the [[NATO]] [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] force than the existence of a stable security situation in the province. Ex-Governor [[Taj Mohammad]] was killed by terrorists in 2006 after being appointed police chief of the province with a mandate to quell the power of the Taliban. On the same day there was an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the governor at the time, [[Sher Alam Ibrahimi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060316/afghanistan_governor_060318?s_name=&no_ads= |title=Afghanistan militants kill former governor|publisher=Ctv.ca|accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> There is a Polish and American [[Provincial Reconstruction Team]] base located in [[Ghazni]] City.
Like many southern Afghan provinces, Ghazni has a precarious security situation. The [[Taliban]] are reported to control most of the rural areas outside of the capital,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iwpr.net/?p=arr&s=f&o=261314&apc_state=henh |title=Institute for War and Peace Reporting |publisher=Iwpr.net |date=2006-05-05 |accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> and are heavily involved in attacks on provincial schools and government infrastructure. The province has avoided the outright warfare seen in other areas of Afghanistan such as [[Helmand Province]] and [[Kandahar Province]], but that is due more to political expediency and the tactical plans of the [[NATO]] [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] force than the existence of a stable security situation in the province. Ex-Governor [[Taj Mohammad]] was killed by terrorists in 2006 after being appointed police chief of the province with a mandate to quell the power of the Taliban. On the same day there was an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the governor at the time, [[Sher Alam Ibrahimi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060316/afghanistan_governor_060318?s_name=&no_ads= |title=Afghanistan militants kill former governor|publisher=Ctv.ca|accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> There is a Polish and American [[Provincial Reconstruction Team]] base located in [[Ghazni]] City.


Line 119: Line 116:
*On September 28, 2010, the Deputy Governor of Ghazni and five others were killed after a suicide bomber on a motorized rickshaw attacked their vehicle. Deputy Governor Mohammad Kazim Allahyar and several men travelling with him were killed instantly when the attacker detonated his explosives at the back of their car near the airport in Ghazni City. The bodies were so badly burnt that there was some confusion about the identity of the other victims. Provincial police chief Delawar Zahid reported Allahyar's son, nephew and driver died, along with two civilians passing by on a bicycle.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE68R0M020100928 | work=Reuters | title=Suicide bomb kills Afghan vice-governor | date=September 28, 2010}}</ref>
*On September 28, 2010, the Deputy Governor of Ghazni and five others were killed after a suicide bomber on a motorized rickshaw attacked their vehicle. Deputy Governor Mohammad Kazim Allahyar and several men travelling with him were killed instantly when the attacker detonated his explosives at the back of their car near the airport in Ghazni City. The bodies were so badly burnt that there was some confusion about the identity of the other victims. Provincial police chief Delawar Zahid reported Allahyar's son, nephew and driver died, along with two civilians passing by on a bicycle.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE68R0M020100928 | work=Reuters | title=Suicide bomb kills Afghan vice-governor | date=September 28, 2010}}</ref>


==Politics and governance==
==Natural resources==
{{for|the Mine|Zarkashan Mine}}
Recent geologic surveys have indicated Ghazni may have one of the world's richest deposits of lithium. Gold and copper were also found in the [[Zarkashan Mine]] of Ghazni province with an estimated value of $30 billion. Whilst Lithium deposits are valued at around $60 billion, were discovered in four eastern and western provinces of Afghanistan, Together with other newly (2010) discovered mineral deposits, the total value of US $3 trillion the estimate is based on a survey of 30 percent of the country's land mass.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-29/u-s-afghan-study-finds-mineral-deposits-worth-3-trillion.html | work=Bloomberg | first=Eltaf | last=Najafizada | title=U.S., Afghan Study Finds Mineral Deposits Worth $3 Trillion | date=January 29, 2011}}</ref>

==Government==

===Governors===
{{Further|List of governors of Ghazni}}
{{Further|List of governors of Ghazni}}
The current [[governor]] of the province is [[Musa Khan Ahmadzai]]. His [[List of governors of Badakhshan|predecessor]] was [[Osman Osmani]]. The city of [[Ghazni]] is the capital of the province. All [[Law enforcement in Afghanistan|law enforcement]] activities throughout the province are handled by the [[Afghan National Police]] (ANP) and the [[Afghan Local Police]] (ALP). The provincial police chief represents the [[Ministry of the Interior (Afghanistan)|Ministry of the Interior]] in [[Kabul]]. The ANP is backed by other [[Afghan National Security Forces]] (ANSF), including the NATO-led forces.
The current [[governor]] of the province is Musa Khan.


==Demographics and geography==
==Demographics and geography==
[[File:US Army ethnolinguistic map of Afghanistan -- circa 2001-09.jpg|thumb|[[Ethnolinguistics|Ethnolinguistic]] groups of [[Afghanistan]]]]
The major ethnic groups in the province are [[Pashtuns]] (55%), and Persian speaking [[Hazaras]] and [[Tajik people|Tajiks]] (40%). There are also some [[Bangash]]-[[Pashtun]], [[Burki]] and [[Uzbeks]]. Ghazni is made up of 19 districts (district capitals are given in parentheses).
[[File:Ghazni districts.png|thumb|Districts of Ghazni Province]]
[[File:Ghazni_District_Map.png.]]
The total population of the province is about 1,168,800, which is mostly a rural society.<ref name=cso>{{cite web |url=http://cso.gov.af/Content/files/Ghazni(1).pdf |title=Settled Population of Ghazni province by Civil Division, Urban, Rural and Sex-2012-13 |publisher=Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Central Statistics Organization |accessdate=2013-06-16}}</ref>

According to the [[Naval Postgraduate School]], the ethnic groups of the province are as follows: 49% [[Pashtuns|Pashtun]], 45% [[Hazara people|Hazara]], 4% [[Tajik people|Tajik]], and around 1% Hindu / Sikh, with other varying minorities.<ref name="nps">{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.edu/programs/ccs/Ghazni.html |title=Ghazni Province |work=Program for Culture & Conflict Studies|publisher=[[Naval Postgraduate School]] |accessdate=2013-06-16}}</ref> Agriculture and animal husbandry are the primary occupation of the citizens of Ghazni. Wheat, alfalfa, melons, and almonds are among the largest crops produced.


==Districts==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:100%;" align=center
|+ align=center style="background:#BFD7FF"|'''Districts of Ghazni Province'''
|- bgcolor="#efefef"
!align="left"|District
!align="left"|Capital
!align="left"|Population<ref name=mrrd>{{cite web |url=http://www.mrrd-nabdp.org/ |title=Ghazni Province |publisher=[[Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development]] |work=Government of Afghanistan and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)|accessdate=2013-06-16}}</ref>
!align="left"|Area
!align="center"|Number of villages and ethnic groups
|-
|-
| [[Ab Band District|Ab Band]] || [[Haji Khel]] || || ||100% Pashtun
! District name
! District Center
! Ethnical data(%)<ref>{{cite web|title=Ethnic demographic statistics|url=http://www.aims.org.afZ|publisher=Aims.org.afZ|accessdate=2012-10-31}}{{dead link|date=January 2013}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Ajristan District|Ajristan]] || [[Sangar, Afghanistan|Sangar]] || ||
| [[Ab Band]]
| 97% Hazara, 3% Pashtun
| [[Haji Khel]]
| 100% Pashtun
|-
|-
| [[Andar District|Andar]] || [[Miray]] || || ||100% Pashtun
| [[Ajristan]]
| [[Sangar (town in Afganistan)|Sangar]]
| 97% [[Hazara people|Hazara]], 3% Pashtun
|-
|-
| [[Andar District|Andar]]
| [[Dih Yak District|Dih Yak]] || [[Ramak]] || || ||89% Pashtun, 11% Tajik
| [[Miray]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Gelan District|Gelan District|Gelan]] || [[Janda]] || || ||100% Pashtun
| [[Dih Yak]]
| [[Ramak]]
| 89% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]], 11% [[Tajik people|Tajik]]
|-
|-
| [[Ghazni District|Ghazni]] || [[Ghazni]] || || ||50% Tajik, 25% Hazara, 25% Pashtun
| [[Gelan District|Gelan]]
| [[Janda]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Ghazni District|Ghazni]]
| [[Giro District|Giro]] || [[Pana, Afghanistan|Pana]] || || ||100% Pashtun
| [[Ghazni]]
| 50% [[Tājik people|Tajik]], 25% [[Hazara people|Hazara]], 25% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Jaghatu District|Jaghatu]] || [[Gul Bahawari]] || || ||88% Hazara, 22% Pashtun
| [[Giro District|Giro]]
| [[Pana (Afghanistan town)|Pana]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Jaghatu District|Jaghatu]]
| [[Jaghori District|Jaghori]] || [[Sange-e-Masha]] || || ||100% Hazara
| [[Gul Bahawari]]
| 88% Hazara, 22% Pashtun
|-
|-
| [[Khogyani District (Ghazni)|Khogyani]] || [[Khogyani, Ghazni|Khogyani]] || || ||100% Pashtun
| [[Jaghori District|Jaghori]]
| [[Sange-e-Masha]]
| 100% [[Hazara people|Hazara]]
|-
|-
| [[Khwaja Umari District|Khwaja Umari]] || [[Khwaja Umari, Afghanistan|Kwaja Umari]] || || ||45% Hazara, 35% Tajik and 20% Pashtun
| [[Khogyani District (Ghazni)|Khogyani]]
| [[Khogyani, Ghazni|Khogyani]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Malestan District|Malistan]] || Malistan || || || 100% Hazara
| [[Khwaja Umari]]
| [[Khwaja Umari(village)|Kwaja Umari]]
| 45% [[Hazara people|Hazara]], 35% [[Tājik people|Tajik]] and 20% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Muqur District, Ghazni|Muqur]] || [[Muqur, Ghazni|Muqur]] || || ||85% Pashtun, 15% Tajik
| [[Malistan]]
| [[Malistan]]
| 100% [[Hazara people|Hazara]]
|-
|-
| [[Muqur District, Ghazni|Muqur]]
| [[Nawa District|Nawa]] || [[Nawa, Afghanistan|Nawa]] || || || 100% Pashtun
| [[Muqur, Ghazni|Muqur]]
|85% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]], 15% [[Tājik people|Tajik]]
|-
|-
| [[Nawur District|Nawur]] || [[Du Abi]] || || || 100% Hazara
| [[Nawa district (Afghanistan)|Nawa]]
| [[Nawa (Afghanistan town)|Nawa]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Qarabagh District, Ghazni|Qarabagh]] || [[Qarabagh, Afghanistan|Qarabagh]] || || || 50% Hazara, 40% Tajik, 10% Pashtun
| [[Nawur]]
| [[Du Abi]]
| 100% [[Hazara people|Hazara]]
|-
|-
| [[Rashidan District|Rashidan]] || Rashidan || || || 96% Pashtun, 4% Hazara
| [[Qarabagh District, Ghazni|Qarabagh]]
| [[Qarabagh (town)|Qarabagh]]
| 50% [[Hazara people|Hazara]], 40% [[Tājik people|Tajik]], 10% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
|-
| [[Waghaz District|Waghaz]] || [[Waghaz (town)|Waghaz]] || || || 100% Pashtun
| [[Rashidan]]
| [[Rashidan]]
| 96% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]], 4% [[Hazara people|Hazara]]
|-
|-
| [[Zana Khan District|Zana Khan]] || [[Dado, Afghanistan|Dado]] || || || 100% Pashtun
| [[Waghaz]]
| [[Waghaz (town)|Waghaz]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|-
| [[Zana Khan]]
| [[Dado, Afghanistan|Dado]]
| 100% [[Pashtun people|Pashtun]]
|}
|}

Malistan, Jaghuri, parts of Qarabagh, Dih Yak and Jaghatu are part of the [[Hazarajat]].

Some [[Sikhs]] and Hindus also live in Ghazni province. During the Taliban regime they fled the country, but with the current administration they have returned to Ghazni city.


==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 120508-A-3108M-015.jpg|thumb|U.S. Army paratroopers and Afghan Army soldiers move along a riverbed during a foot patrol in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province.]]
[[Band E Sardeh Dam]] is located in Andar District near the border with [[Paktika Province]]. It creates a large water reservoir that is critical to the irrigation of the Kahnjoor farming zone. The dam itself and the canal system it feeds both need repairs and maintenance.
[[Band E Sardeh Dam]] is located in Andar District near the border with [[Paktika Province]]. It creates a large water reservoir that is critical to the irrigation of the Kahnjoor farming zone. The dam itself and the canal system it feeds both need repairs and maintenance.


Governor Musa Khan Akbarzada stated that key development projects would be launched in southern Ghazni in 2012 ahead of the Asian capital of the Islamic civilization for 2013. The projects include the construction of a proposed Islamic cultural centre, a mosque, a covered bazaar, a gymnasium, a guesthouse, an airport, a five-star hotel and two 27 storey-buildings and others. More than 2,000 people would find work opportunities on the $30 million projects; $10 million would be provided by the central government, $7 million by the Polish provincial reconstruction team (PRT) and $3 million by the US. A 40-kilometre road would be asphalted by the end of the 2012.
Governor Musa Khan Akbarzada stated that key development projects would be launched in southern Ghazni in 2012 ahead of the Asian capital of the Islamic civilization for 2013. The projects include the construction of a proposed Islamic cultural centre, a mosque, a covered bazaar, a gymnasium, a guesthouse, an airport, a five-star hotel and two 27 storey-buildings and others. More than 2,000 people would find work opportunities on the $30 million projects; $10 million would be provided by the central government, $7 million by the Polish provincial reconstruction team (PRT) and $3 million by the US. A 40-kilometre road would be asphalted by the end of the 2012.
Line 227: Line 185:
Ghazni province is to be connected to the national electrical distribution system via North-east Power System (NEPS). The construction of transmission line would begin from east Chimtala to Ghazni using high voltage transmission network (2 x 220kV transmission lines and power substations). The project is to be implemented by USFOR-A and USAID costing $101 mlllion. However the Asian Development Bank agreed to complete the transmission line from Chimtala to Dast-i-Barchi; hence reducing Project scope to begin from Dast-i-Barchi instead of Chimtala. The implemention of this project was delayed due to USACE being unable to award a contract because bids received for the project were more than double estimated costs, due largely to security concerns resulting from therisks associated with implementing firm-fixed-price contracts in a kinetic environment, poor cost estimates, and unrealistic periods of performance. USACE is re-procuring both projects and plans toaward contracts in June or July 2012, which will delay the project's execution schedules between 6 to 15 months. Furthermore the delays in transferring funds contributed to delays in project execution. This line is a key part of a planned NEPS to SEPS connection to transport power to Kandaharto replace the expensive diesel-fueled power plants
Ghazni province is to be connected to the national electrical distribution system via North-east Power System (NEPS). The construction of transmission line would begin from east Chimtala to Ghazni using high voltage transmission network (2 x 220kV transmission lines and power substations). The project is to be implemented by USFOR-A and USAID costing $101 mlllion. However the Asian Development Bank agreed to complete the transmission line from Chimtala to Dast-i-Barchi; hence reducing Project scope to begin from Dast-i-Barchi instead of Chimtala. The implemention of this project was delayed due to USACE being unable to award a contract because bids received for the project were more than double estimated costs, due largely to security concerns resulting from therisks associated with implementing firm-fixed-price contracts in a kinetic environment, poor cost estimates, and unrealistic periods of performance. USACE is re-procuring both projects and plans toaward contracts in June or July 2012, which will delay the project's execution schedules between 6 to 15 months. Furthermore the delays in transferring funds contributed to delays in project execution. This line is a key part of a planned NEPS to SEPS connection to transport power to Kandaharto replace the expensive diesel-fueled power plants


==International airport ==
=== Ghazni International Airport ===
Work on the first international airport in Ghazni province started on April 11, 2012. The work on the airport’s boundary wall would take four months to complete at a cost of $750,000, provided by the Transport and Aviation Ministry. Work on the runway has also been started being four kilometers length and one and a half kilometer width, the airport is being constructed in the Unit area of Deh Yak district. The overall project would be complete till 2013, when the provincial capital serves as the centre of Islamic civilization. Residents in neighbouring provinces, such as Logar, Paktika, Maidan Shahr and Zabul, would also benefit from the airport,
Work on the [[Ghazni Airport]] began in April 2012. The work on the airport's boundary wall would take four months to complete at a cost of $750,000, provided by the Transport and Aviation Ministry. Work on the runway has also been started being four kilometers length and one and a half kilometer width, the airport is being constructed in the Unit area of Deh Yak district. The overall project would be complete in 2013, when the provincial capital serves as the centre of Islamic civilization. Residents in neighbouring provinces, such as Logar, Paktika, Maidan Shahr and Zabul, would also benefit from the airport.

==Natural resources==
{{for|the Mine|Zarkashan Mine}}
Recent geologic surveys have indicated Ghazni may have one of the world's richest deposits of lithium. Gold and copper were also found in the [[Zarkashan Mine]] of Ghazni province with an estimated value of $30 billion. Whilst Lithium deposits are valued at around $60 billion, were discovered in four eastern and western provinces of Afghanistan, Together with other newly (2010) discovered mineral deposits, the total value of US $3 trillion the estimate is based on a survey of 30 percent of the country's land mass.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-29/u-s-afghan-study-finds-mineral-deposits-worth-3-trillion.html | work=Bloomberg | first=Eltaf | last=Najafizada | title=U.S., Afghan Study Finds Mineral Deposits Worth $3 Trillion | date=January 29, 2011}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Provinces of Afghanistan]]
*[[Ghazni]] (city)
*[[Sangar (town in Afganistan)|Sangar]] (town)


==References==
==References==
Line 243: Line 204:
* [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/photogalleries/afghan_treasure/photo4.html Afghanistan Gold Treasures –National Geographic]
* [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/photogalleries/afghan_treasure/photo4.html Afghanistan Gold Treasures –National Geographic]
* [http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/study/history_buddhism/buddhism_central_asia/history_afghanistan_buddhism.html Historical Sketch of Buddhism and Islam in Afghanistan]
* [http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/study/history_buddhism/buddhism_central_asia/history_afghanistan_buddhism.html Historical Sketch of Buddhism and Islam in Afghanistan]

==Archaeology==
*The Buddhist Cave complex at Homay Qala, South Asian archaeology 1975: papers from the third International Conference ...Page 119 By Johanna Engelberta Lohuizen-De Leeuw


{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location

Revision as of 14:42, 17 June 2013

Ghazni
غزنى
Province
Snow covered mountains in Ghazni Province
Snow covered mountains in Ghazni Province
Map of Afghanistan with Ghazni highlighted
Map of Afghanistan with Ghazni highlighted
Country Afghanistan
CapitalGhazni
Area
 • Total22,915 km2 (8,848 sq mi)
Population
 (2012)[1]
 • Total1,168,800
 • Density51/km2 (130/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+4:30
Main languagesPashto
Dari (Persian dialect)

Ghazni (Pashto: غزني)(Persian: غزنی) is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It lies on the important Kabul to Kandahar road, and has historically functioned as an important trade center between those two major cities. The province contains 19 districts, encompassing over 1,000s villages, and roughly 1.1 million settled and nomadic people.[2] Ghazni serves as the provincial capital.

Babur records in his memoirs that Ghazni is also known as Zabulistan[3]

Etymology

The ancient name for Ghazni was ‘Ghzank’ from the Persian and Sanskrit word meaning ‘treasure’.

History

Ghazni was a thriving Buddhist center before and during the 7th century AD. Excavations have revealed religious artifacts of both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

"The two other great Buddhist centers, Fondukistan and Tepe-e-sardar (Ghazni) in its later phase are a very different matter and display another phase of influences coming from India from the seventh to eighth century. The representations show themes from Mahayana iconography and even in the case of the latter site assume Tantric aspects which had already established themselves in the large Indian monasteries like Nalanda."[4]

"Another important site is that of Tepe Sardar (better known as Tepe-yi Nagara, Tepe of the kettledrum) near Ghazni, which was occupied until perhaps the eighth century AD. From this period dates a huge statue of the Parinirvana Buddha (Buddha lying down at the end of his cycle of rebirths) of unbaked clay. A very similar statue has been found just north of Afghanistan, at the site of Adzhina tepe in Tajikistan. Yet what is most interesting was the find at the same site of a statue of the Hindu deity Durga Mahishasura-mardini."[5]

In 644 AD, the Chinese pilgrim Hsüan-tsang visited Jaguda, Ghazni, while travelling from the country of Varnu, crossing the land of O-po-kien (Afghans i.e. Pashtuns).[6][7]

Islamization

See also: Islamic conquest of Afghanistan
The minaret of Ghazni, built by Bahram Shah during the Ghaznavid Empire.

In 683 AD, Arab armies brought Islam to the area and attempted to conquer the capital of Ghazni but the local tribes fiercely resisted. Its resistance was so famed that Yaqub Saffari (840-879) from Zaranj made an example of Ghazni when he ranged the vast region conquering in the name of Islam. The city was completely destroyed by the Saffarids in 869.[8] A substantial portion of the local population including Hindus and Buddhists were converted to Islam by Mahmud of Ghazni[9]

"There is no evidence that Ghazna had previously formed part of the Samanid kingdom. It had been previously overrun with the whole of Zabulistan and Kabul by the Saffaris by 260 (873) but it is doubtful how far their power was permanent and even when the Samanids became paramount there is no evidence that Kabul or Ghazna were under them. The ruler of Ghazna is described as Padshah and was allied to the Hindushahis of Kabul. These titles were not as yet used by the Muhammadan rulers. The Padshah Lavik was probably a Hindu chief even though some passages in the Tabakth i Nisiri give him the name of Abu Bakr or Abu Ali."[10]

After the rebuilding of the city by Yaqub's brother, it became the dazzling capital of the Ghaznavid Empire from 994 to 1160, encompassing much of northern India, Persia and Central Asia. Many iconoclastic campaigns were launched from Ghazni into India. The Ghaznavids took Islam to India and returned with fabulous riches taken from both prince and temple god. Contemporary visitors and residents at Ghazni write with wonder of the ornateness of the buildings, the great libraries, the sumptuousness of the court ceremonies and of the wealth of precious objects owned by Ghazni's citizens.

Ferishta records attacks by Mahomed Ghori: "at the same time most of the infidels who inhabited the mountains between Ghazni and the Indus were also converted , some by force and others by persuasion."[11] Ghazni's eponymous capital was razed in 1151 by the Ghorid Alauddin. It again flourished but only to be permanently devastated, this time in 1221 by Genghis Khan and his Mongol armies after 6 years of Khwarezmid rule. Ghazni's strategic position, both economically and militarily, assured its revival,[when?] albeit without its dazzling former grandeur.

Ghazni is also famous for its minarets built on a stellar plan. They date from the middle of the twelfth century and are the surviving element of the mosque of Bahramshah. Their sides are decorated with geometric patterns. Upper sections of the minarets have been damaged or destroyed. The most important mausoleum located in Ghazni is that of Sultan Mahmud's. Others include the tombs of poets and scientists, for example Al Biruni and Sanayee. The only ruins in Old Ghazni retaining a semblance of architectural form are two towers, about 43 m (140 ft) high and some 365 m (1,200 ft) apart. According to inscriptions, the towers were constructed by Mahmud of Ghazni and his son.

During the First Anglo-Afghan War, the Ghazni's capital city was stormed and taken over by the British forces on July 23, 1839 in the Battle of Ghazni. The Afghan Civil War and the continued conflict between the Taliban and the Afghan Northern Alliance during the 1990s put the relics of Ghazni in jeopardy. The Taliban placed Fazl Uddin in charge of protecting the artifacts. In the 1960s a 15-meter female Buddha was discovered lying on its back and surrounded by empty pillars that once held rows of smaller male Buddhas. Parts of the female Buddha have been stolen. In the 1980s a mud brick shelter was created to protect the sculpture, but the wood supports were stolen for firewood and the shelter partially collapsed.

Recent history

Polish forces in Rashidan district during "Operation Passage" in 2009.
U.S. paratroopers and Afghan soldiers move into a village during a combined patrol in 2012.

Like many southern Afghan provinces, Ghazni has a precarious security situation. The Taliban are reported to control most of the rural areas outside of the capital,[12] and are heavily involved in attacks on provincial schools and government infrastructure. The province has avoided the outright warfare seen in other areas of Afghanistan such as Helmand Province and Kandahar Province, but that is due more to political expediency and the tactical plans of the NATO ISAF force than the existence of a stable security situation in the province. Ex-Governor Taj Mohammad was killed by terrorists in 2006 after being appointed police chief of the province with a mandate to quell the power of the Taliban. On the same day there was an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the governor at the time, Sher Alam Ibrahimi.[13] There is a Polish and American Provincial Reconstruction Team base located in Ghazni City.

Since the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, there has been a Provincial reconstruction base and a NATO forces base. These western forces (mostly Polish Armed Forces) are hunting Taliban militants and al-Qaida, who are still active in the area causing deaths to Afghan government employees and local civilian population of the province as well. Ghazni has seen a steady increase in violence. NATO and Afghan forces fight regularly with insurgents in the area, but there has not been a push to roll back their gains comparable to efforts in the southern Taliban heartlands of Kandahar and Helmand.

  • In late April 2007, news agencies reported that Taliban fighters had taken control of Giro District in the province. The Taliban reportedly killed the district administrator, chief of police (who had been on the job for only one month) and three police officers. The Taliban withdrew from the district center one day later.
  • In July 2007, 23 South Korean volunteers were kidnapped in the Ghazni province by the Taliban. Two of them were killed and their bodies were dumped in various places. As of August 1, security force was planned to be deployed to secure the release of those kidnapped.
  • On September 28, 2010, the Deputy Governor of Ghazni and five others were killed after a suicide bomber on a motorized rickshaw attacked their vehicle. Deputy Governor Mohammad Kazim Allahyar and several men travelling with him were killed instantly when the attacker detonated his explosives at the back of their car near the airport in Ghazni City. The bodies were so badly burnt that there was some confusion about the identity of the other victims. Provincial police chief Delawar Zahid reported Allahyar's son, nephew and driver died, along with two civilians passing by on a bicycle.[14]

Politics and governance

Further information: List of governors of Ghazni

The current governor of the province is Musa Khan Ahmadzai. His predecessor was Osman Osmani. The city of Ghazni is the capital of the province. All law enforcement activities throughout the province are handled by the Afghan National Police (ANP) and the Afghan Local Police (ALP). The provincial police chief represents the Ministry of the Interior in Kabul. The ANP is backed by other Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), including the NATO-led forces.

Demographics and geography

Ethnolinguistic groups of Afghanistan
Districts of Ghazni Province

The total population of the province is about 1,168,800, which is mostly a rural society.[1]

According to the Naval Postgraduate School, the ethnic groups of the province are as follows: 49% Pashtun, 45% Hazara, 4% Tajik, and around 1% Hindu / Sikh, with other varying minorities.[2] Agriculture and animal husbandry are the primary occupation of the citizens of Ghazni. Wheat, alfalfa, melons, and almonds are among the largest crops produced.

Districts

Districts of Ghazni Province
District Capital Population[15] Area Number of villages and ethnic groups
Ab Band Haji Khel 100% Pashtun
Ajristan Sangar 97% Hazara, 3% Pashtun
Andar Miray 100% Pashtun
Dih Yak Ramak 89% Pashtun, 11% Tajik
Gelan District|Gelan Janda 100% Pashtun
Ghazni Ghazni 50% Tajik, 25% Hazara, 25% Pashtun
Giro Pana 100% Pashtun
Jaghatu Gul Bahawari 88% Hazara, 22% Pashtun
Jaghori Sange-e-Masha 100% Hazara
Khogyani Khogyani 100% Pashtun
Khwaja Umari Kwaja Umari 45% Hazara, 35% Tajik and 20% Pashtun
Malistan Malistan 100% Hazara
Muqur Muqur 85% Pashtun, 15% Tajik
Nawa Nawa 100% Pashtun
Nawur Du Abi 100% Hazara
Qarabagh Qarabagh 50% Hazara, 40% Tajik, 10% Pashtun
Rashidan Rashidan 96% Pashtun, 4% Hazara
Waghaz Waghaz 100% Pashtun
Zana Khan Dado 100% Pashtun

Infrastructure

U.S. Army paratroopers and Afghan Army soldiers move along a riverbed during a foot patrol in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province.

Band E Sardeh Dam is located in Andar District near the border with Paktika Province. It creates a large water reservoir that is critical to the irrigation of the Kahnjoor farming zone. The dam itself and the canal system it feeds both need repairs and maintenance.

Governor Musa Khan Akbarzada stated that key development projects would be launched in southern Ghazni in 2012 ahead of the Asian capital of the Islamic civilization for 2013. The projects include the construction of a proposed Islamic cultural centre, a mosque, a covered bazaar, a gymnasium, a guesthouse, an airport, a five-star hotel and two 27 storey-buildings and others. More than 2,000 people would find work opportunities on the $30 million projects; $10 million would be provided by the central government, $7 million by the Polish provincial reconstruction team (PRT) and $3 million by the US. A 40-kilometre road would be asphalted by the end of the 2012.

Ghazni province is to be connected to the national electrical distribution system via North-east Power System (NEPS). The construction of transmission line would begin from east Chimtala to Ghazni using high voltage transmission network (2 x 220kV transmission lines and power substations). The project is to be implemented by USFOR-A and USAID costing $101 mlllion. However the Asian Development Bank agreed to complete the transmission line from Chimtala to Dast-i-Barchi; hence reducing Project scope to begin from Dast-i-Barchi instead of Chimtala. The implemention of this project was delayed due to USACE being unable to award a contract because bids received for the project were more than double estimated costs, due largely to security concerns resulting from therisks associated with implementing firm-fixed-price contracts in a kinetic environment, poor cost estimates, and unrealistic periods of performance. USACE is re-procuring both projects and plans toaward contracts in June or July 2012, which will delay the project's execution schedules between 6 to 15 months. Furthermore the delays in transferring funds contributed to delays in project execution. This line is a key part of a planned NEPS to SEPS connection to transport power to Kandaharto replace the expensive diesel-fueled power plants

Ghazni International Airport

Work on the Ghazni Airport began in April 2012. The work on the airport's boundary wall would take four months to complete at a cost of $750,000, provided by the Transport and Aviation Ministry. Work on the runway has also been started being four kilometers length and one and a half kilometer width, the airport is being constructed in the Unit area of Deh Yak district. The overall project would be complete in 2013, when the provincial capital serves as the centre of Islamic civilization. Residents in neighbouring provinces, such as Logar, Paktika, Maidan Shahr and Zabul, would also benefit from the airport.

Natural resources

For the Mine, see Zarkashan Mine.

Recent geologic surveys have indicated Ghazni may have one of the world's richest deposits of lithium. Gold and copper were also found in the Zarkashan Mine of Ghazni province with an estimated value of $30 billion. Whilst Lithium deposits are valued at around $60 billion, were discovered in four eastern and western provinces of Afghanistan, Together with other newly (2010) discovered mineral deposits, the total value of US $3 trillion the estimate is based on a survey of 30 percent of the country's land mass.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Settled Population of Ghazni province by Civil Division, Urban, Rural and Sex-2012-13" (PDF). Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Central Statistics Organization. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  2. ^ a b "Ghazni Province". Program for Culture & Conflict Studies. Naval Postgraduate School. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  3. ^ Babur-Nama Translated from the original Turki Text of Zahirud'd-din Muhammad BABUR padshah Ghazi by Annette Susannah Beveridge Vol1 and 11 Published by Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, Page 217
  4. ^ Simone Gaulier, Robert Jera-Bezard, Monique. Buddhism in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Books.google.com. p. 2. Retrieved 2012-10-31.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ The Afghans By Willem Vogelsang Edition: illustrated Published by Blackwell Publishing, 2002 Page 185
  6. ^ BA Litvinsky, Zhang Guand-Da, R. Shabani Samghabadi, History of civilizations of Central Asia, pg. 385
  7. ^ Hui-li, 1959, p. 188
  8. ^ "Nancy Hatch Dupree - Chapter 9 (Ghazni)". Zharov.com. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  9. ^ The Wonder that was India II by S A Rizvi; published by Picador India; page 16
  10. ^ E.J. Brill's first encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936, Volume 2 By Martijn Theodoor Houtsma; page 154
  11. ^ Ferishta translated by John Briggs; page 104
  12. ^ "Institute for War and Peace Reporting". Iwpr.net. 2006-05-05. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  13. ^ "Afghanistan militants kill former governor". Ctv.ca. Retrieved 2012-10-31.
  14. ^ "Suicide bomb kills Afghan vice-governor". Reuters. September 28, 2010.
  15. ^ "Ghazni Province". Government of Afghanistan and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development. Retrieved 2013-06-16.
  16. ^ Najafizada, Eltaf (January 29, 2011). "U.S., Afghan Study Finds Mineral Deposits Worth $3 Trillion". Bloomberg.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ghazni Province.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ghazni_Province&oldid=560302761"