"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence..." - Mark Twain
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| (Shah Du Shamshire Mosque) |
Day 03: 06 October 2024 (Sunday)
Route: SHARJAH / KABUL
Flight: G9718 SHJ 0300 KBL 0630 Air Arabia
Hotel: Khyber Hotel, Kabul
By 1:00 am we took two taxi to the Sharjah Airport. We went direct for passport clearance and security check as we already have the boarding pass for our onward journey to Kabul.
Departed to Kabul on Air Arabia G9718 ETD 0300. Safely arrived at Kabul International Airport at 6.15 am. We were met by our local guides Hayatullah and Ismail. Two cars were available for us to get to the Khyber Hotel in Kabul. The weather was a cool 8°C.
Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan, known for its historical gardens, bazaars, and palaces such as the Gardens of Babur, Darul Aman Palace and the Arg. In the second half of the 20th century, the city became a stop on the hippie trail undertaken by many Europeans and gained the nickname "Paris of Central Asia".
Roti prata and chick pea curry for breakfast at the Queatta Pakistani Restaurant in Kabul. Complemented by a glass of hot white coffee.
After an hour's rest we enjoyed the scenery of Kabul from the roof top of the Khyber Hotel before we went out to explore Kabul city.
Shah Du Shamshire Mosque is called the 'Mosque of the King of Two Swords'. The mosque is located on the bank if Kabul river must be one of the most unusual architecture in Islam. Built in the 1920s during Amanullah's drive for modernisation, it looks like it would be more at home in Versailles or Vienna. The facades are all Italianate baroque with stucco detailing, picked out in white against a lurid lemon yellow paint-job. That it has two storeys is even more peculiar, and only the tiny minarets disclose the building's true purpose.
The mosque's name is derived from a far older story than Amanullah's strange architectural tastes. In the 7th century Kabul was a Hindu city, besieged by an Arab army. The Arab king was beheaded, but was so inspired by Allah that he continued fighting, leading his men to victory at the point of his two scimitars.
Tomb of Laith Ibn Qais is Next to Shah Du Shamshire Mosque. According to history, when the Muslim army attacked Kabul, Laith Ibn Qays led and commended a section of the Muslim army. The mentioned commander died and was buried at the current place of the mosque. After the conquest, the army performed their first prayer at this place and later built a mosque there. After the Muslim armies broke the Dehmazang wall, the Liath Ibn Qays fought with two swords during the conquest of Kabul.
Darul Aman Palace has nearly a century of historical significance, and is located 8 km from Kabul city. This palace, featuring a three-story building, contains 150 small and large rooms designed in the European architectural style. This historical monument of the country was constructed during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, to the southwest of Chahar Asyab in Kabul, a place previously known as Afshar Tepe.
The National Museum of Afghanistan is a two-story building located across the street from the Darul Aman Palace in the Darulaman area of Kabul, Afghanistan. It was once considered to be one of the world's finest museums.
At Khan Juice Point, freshly squeezed pomegranate, pineapple and mango juice were ordered for the ladies. The men drove to the Zinat Libas Tailor to have their custom-made Afghan kurtas. Supposedly the kurtas can be ready by tonight.
We went back to the Khyber Hotel in Kabul after unsuccessfully attempting to buy local sim cards. Performed our jamak prayers before going out for a Kabuli beef pilaf rice and crispy roasted chicken for dinner at a local Kabul restaurant.
Back at the Khyber Hotel, it was time for a good night's rest before we further explore Kabul tomorrow and take the noon flight to Mazar-e Sharif.
Tomb of Laith Ibn Qais is Next to Shah Du Shamshire Mosque. According to history, when the Muslim army attacked Kabul, Laith Ibn Qays led and commended a section of the Muslim army. The mentioned commander died and was buried at the current place of the mosque. After the conquest, the army performed their first prayer at this place and later built a mosque there. After the Muslim armies broke the Dehmazang wall, the Liath Ibn Qays fought with two swords during the conquest of Kabul.
Darul Aman Palace has nearly a century of historical significance, and is located 8 km from Kabul city. This palace, featuring a three-story building, contains 150 small and large rooms designed in the European architectural style. This historical monument of the country was constructed during the reign of King Amanullah Khan, to the southwest of Chahar Asyab in Kabul, a place previously known as Afshar Tepe.
The National Museum of Afghanistan is a two-story building located across the street from the Darul Aman Palace in the Darulaman area of Kabul, Afghanistan. It was once considered to be one of the world's finest museums.
At Khan Juice Point, freshly squeezed pomegranate, pineapple and mango juice were ordered for the ladies. The men drove to the Zinat Libas Tailor to have their custom-made Afghan kurtas. Supposedly the kurtas can be ready by tonight.
We went back to the Khyber Hotel in Kabul after unsuccessfully attempting to buy local sim cards. Performed our jamak prayers before going out for a Kabuli beef pilaf rice and crispy roasted chicken for dinner at a local Kabul restaurant.
Back at the Khyber Hotel, it was time for a good night's rest before we further explore Kabul tomorrow and take the noon flight to Mazar-e Sharif.
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