Happy TravellerWelcome to Zaranj, a city in southwestern Afghanistan with a rich history and a population of over 160,000 people. As the capital of Nimruz Province, Zaranj is linked by highways with Lashkargah and Kandahar to the east, Farah to the north, and the Iranian city of Zabol to the west. The Abresham border crossing is located to the west of Zaranj, on the Afghanistan–Iran border, making it one of three important trade-routes that connect Central Asia, East Asia, and South Asia with the Middle East. Zaranj Airport is located some 13 miles (21 km) to the east of the city, providing easy access for travelers.
The history of Zaranj dates back over 2500 years, and the city has been known by many names throughout its long and storied past. Yaqub ibn al-Layth al-Saffar, founder of the Saffarid dynasty, was born in this old civilization. Modern Zaranj bears the name of an ancient city whose name is also attested in Old Persian as Zranka. In Greek, this word became Drangiana. Other historical names for Zaranj include Zirra, Zarangia, Zarani, etc. Ultimately, the word Zaranj is derived from the ancient Old Persian word zaranka (waterland).
Zaranj has been ruled by various empires and dynasties throughout its history, including the Achaemenids, Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Timurids, Safavids, and more. In the 9th century, Zaranj was the capital of the Saffarid dynasty, whose founder was the local coppersmith turned warlord, Yaqub ibn al-Layth al-Saffar. It became part of the Ghaznavids, Ghorids, Trimurids, Safavids, and others. Defeated by the Samanids in 900, the Saffarids sank to a position of regional importance until conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1003. Subsequently, Zaranj served as the capital of the Nasrid (1029–1225) and Mihrabānid (1236–1537) maliks of Nīmrūz.
In the early 18th century, the city became part of the Afghan Hotaki dynasty until they were removed from power in 1738 by Nader Shah of Khorasan. By 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani made it part of modern Afghanistan after he united all the different tribes and acquired the territories from northeastern Iran to Delhi in India. Under the modern Afghan governments, the area was known as Farah-Chakansur Province until 1968 when it was separated to form the provinces of Nimruz and Farah. The city of Zaranj became the capital of Nimruz province.
Zaranj has seen its fair share of conflict and turmoil in recent years, but it remains a vibrant and resilient city with much to offer visitors. A new highway called Route 606 was built between Zaranj and Delaram in Farah province by the Indian Governments Border Roads Organization, opening up a link between the deep sea port at Chabahar in Iran to Afghanistan’s main ring road highway system, which connects Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Kunduz. The completion of the road reflects the determination of both India and Afghanistan that nothing can prevent or hinder collaboration between the two countries.
Zaranj’s close proximity to Iran means that the city relies mostly on Iranian products, and with the increase of trade, the Afghan Border Police is dealing with a rise in smuggling, particularly illegal drugs and weapons. However, the overall economic situation is becoming better for the local population of the city, with hundreds of trucks containing merchandise from the Middle East entering the city on a daily basis.
Zaranj is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a bright future. Despite its challenges, it remains a welcoming and hospitable destination for travelers seeking to explore the history and beauty of Afghanistan. Come and discover the many treasures of Zaranj for yourself!
