Takht-e-Rostam is one of those rare sights that brings together history buffs and adventure seekers! Ever heard of a place that's part Indiana Jones movie set, part ancient monastery, and happens to be in one of the least explored countries?
This is Takht-e-Rostam in Afghanistan! Located in in Samangan Province, north of Kabul but more accessible from Mazar-e-sharif. To drive to the northern capital, it will take you around 3 hours or a relatively bumpy road but it's worth every bump and pothole.
What makes Takht-e-Rostam so special?
Located here is massive Buddhist monastery complex, hand carved right into the bedrock. Dating back to the 3 rd century AD, the complex is a maze of five chambers, with two sanctuary rooms that'll make your jaw drop. The main sanctuary features a domed ceiling decorated with intricate lotus leaves. It’s like an Afghan Sistine Chapel with a Buddhist twist.
Nearby, is the main stupa also carved by hand directly into rock. The area of the stupa contains more caves to explore. The site's unique underground design has historians scratching their heads. Was it a clever camouflage against invaders? A smart way to beat Afghanistan's extreme weather?
Takht-e Rostam isn't just a pretty face, though. It's a window into Afghanistan's diverse religious past, when Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Hindus all called this place home. Situated on the ancient Silk Road, it was like the Times Square of its day, minus the giant billboards and costumed characters.
The most impressive thing about Takht-e-Rostam is that even with the first Taliban government and now the second Taliban government, this piece of history from the golden age of Buddhism remains intact and open to visitors. An entrance ticket to this incredible piece of human history is roughly $5USD.
With the Islamic conquest of what is modern Afghanistan, so did Buddhism at the primary religion of the region. Tahkt-e-Rostam was no longer used as a Buddhist monastery but instead was used as a local Islamic pilgrimage sight and was incorporated into Persian folklore.
What is the legend of Rostam?
In the 10 th century Persian epic poem Shahnameh, which can be compared to a Middle Eastern Game of Thrones, the legendary warrior Rostam entered the city and became a guest of the king. It is here that he met Tahmina and begins and affair with her. 9 months after the affair Tahmina gives birth to a son who is named Sohrab. Sohrab, being the son of the world’s greatest fighter and military leader, Rostam, becomes something of a hero himself, leading a Turan army against Rostam’s Zabulistani army. As with all epics, such as Star Wars, the father and son of course meet in the battlefield and engage in their own fight to the death. Through trickery Rostam manages to defeat and killing his son, only to realise the relationship after the fatal wound. Of course, Rostam grieves over the son he didn’t realise he had.
Want to visit?
If you're feeling adventurous and want to experience a slice of history that's survived empires, invasions, and even the Taliban, Takht-e Rostam should be on your bucket list. Who knows? You might just find enlightenment... or at least some really cool Instagram photos. Either way, it's a journey through time you won't forget.
To join us in Afghanistan, send us an email to [email protected]. Places are limited on each tour so get in quick!
