As Kabul's principal fortress, Bala Hissar was the stage for several pivotal events in both the First (1838–1842) and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars (1878–1880).

Bala Hissar (Pashto / Urdu / Hindko: قلعه بالاحصار), also spelt Bala Hisar, is an historic fortress located in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. First mentioned by 7th-century explorer Xuanzang, the fort was used as a royal residence for the Durrani Empire since 1747, when the Afghan king, Ahmad Shah Durrani, conquered Peshawar.

The Bala Hissar or Citadel of Kabul is one of the largest and most prominent monuments and archaeological sites in the city and of international historic significance. The Bala Hissar of Kabul is sited on an outcrop of a large hill , called today the Sher Darwaza, which borders the older part of Kabul on its south.

The old seat of royal power, a fortress has stood on the site of the Bala Hissar since the 5th century AD, and quite possibly before. It sits at the foot of the Koh-e Shir Darwaza mountains, guarding the southwestern approaches to Kabul. The citadel as it stands today was built at the end of the 19th century.

Perched above present-day Kabul, the Bala Hissar (‘the High Fort’) is an imposing group of buildings and among the most important remains to survive from the Afghan capital’s long history. It is also one of the most important archaeological reserves in the region.

The historic citadel of Bala Hissar of Kabul holds a prominent place in Afghanistan’s cultural and architectural heritage. As a symbol of resilience and historical significance, it is crucial to ensure that its story is conveyed effectively to both local and international visitors.

Bala Hissar in Kabul is one of many fascinating sites that both foreign visitors and local tourists can explore while they visit Afghanistan and explore Kabul Province. This ancient fortress has witnessed countless historical events, cultural shifts and has played host to numerous pivotal moments in Afghanistan’s rich chronicle.

2020年2月22日 · The Bala Hissar (Persian for “high fortress”) is a 5th century fort on the Kuh-e-Sherdarwaza (Mountain of the Lion’s Gate). The walls are 20 feet high and 12 feet thick, and it is actually two distinct facilities; the lower fort contained stables, barracks and the former royal palaces; the upper fort was home to an armoury and a jail.

2024年9月5日 · Bala Hisar Fort, located in the historic city of Peshawar, Pakistan, is a symbol of the region’s rich and tumultuous past. The name “Bala Hissar” is derived from Persian, meaning “high fort,” a fitting description for a structure that has stood tall through centuries of conquests, wars, and political upheaval.

This paper discusses new archaeological field research conducted at Bala Hissar, Kabul, between 2022 and 2023, aiming to gather insights into its historical significance and establish a chronological framework.