Nimruz
Nimruz (Pashto: نیمروز) or Nimroz is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the south-west of the country on the borders of Iran and Baluchistan. Nimruz covers 41,000 km² and has a population of 149,000 (2002 estimate). It is the most sparsely populated province in the country. The largest group in the province are the Baloch people followed closely by Pashtuns.
Districts
- Zaranj (capital city)- Zaranj is a city in south-western Afghanistan, with a population of approximately 70,000 people. It is the capital of Nimruz province and is situated right next to Iran's eastern border. It is linked by highways with Lashkar Gah to the east, Farah to the north and Zabol in Iran to the west. Zaranj is of significant importance to the trade-route between Asia and the Middle East. The population of the area are ethnic Pashtun people and Baloch people.
History
Zaranj is an ancient historic city which was known as Sarang in Sanskrit during Hindu times and later came to be known as Zarang and now Zaranj. Other historical names for Zaranj include Zirra, [1] Zarangia or Drangiana. [2] In Achamenid texts, the city was referred to as Zra'ka.
In 661, a small Arab garrison reestablish its authority of the region after having temporarily lost control due to skirmishes and revolts. [3]
Later, a new local power emerged which made Zaranj the capital; the Saffarid dynasty. Zaranj was also home to Ya'qub-i Laith Saffari the founder of the Saffarid dynasty. [4]
References
- ↑ Ten Thousand Miles in Persia: Or, Eight Years in Irán By Percy Sykes, pg. 363
- ↑ The Afghans By Dr Willem Vogelsang, pg. 162
- ↑ Islamic History: A New Interpretation By Muhammad Abdulhavy Shaban
- ↑ Ariana Antiqua: A Descriptive Account of the Antiquities and Coins of Afghanistan By Horace Hayman Wilson, pg. 154
Towns and villages
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