Mazar-e Sharif

Mazār-e Sharīf, also known as Mazar-e-Sharif, Mazar-i Sharif and Mazar-i-Sharif (in Persian مزار شریف), is a city in northern Afghanistan and the capital of Balkh province. The dominant language in the city is Dari.

After the Taliban took control of much of Afghanistan, Mazar-e Sharif remained a stronghold of opposition groups for several years. Between May and July 1997 the Taliban attempted to take control of the city, but failed. They succeeded in capturing the city on August 8, 1998, reportedly leading to a killing frenzy.

On November 9, 2001 the city was recaptured by the Northern Alliance with help from the United States.