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Jalalabad

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Jalalabad is a major city in eastern Afghanistan.

Aerial view of Jalalabad in 2012
Aerial view of Jalalabad in 2012

It serves as the capital of Nangarhar Province. The city sits on a plateau south of the Hindu Kush mountains.

Jalalabad - Spīn Ghar Range
Jalalabad - Spīn Ghar Range

Two important rivers meet here: the Kabul River and the Kunar River.

Jalalabad, Afghanistan (5397994701)
Jalalabad, Afghanistan (5397994701)

Because it is near the Torkham border, it is a key center for trade. The city connects to Kabul in the west and Asadabad to the northeast. This makes it a busy place for people and goods to move.

The weather in Jalalabad is very hot. It has a hot desert climate that feels like Arizona in the United States.

Jalalabad - Spīn Ghar Range
Jalalabad - Spīn Ghar Range

In the summer, temperatures can reach as high as 120 °F. Most rain falls during the winter and spring months. Frost is not common in this region. Because the winters are much milder than in Kabul, it has been used as a winter capital. Many wealthy people once moved to villas here to stay warm.

The Amir’s Garden, Jalālābād WDL11478
The Amir’s Garden, Jalālābād WDL11478

Jalalabad has a very long and interesting history.

Royal Park Jalalabad postcard
Royal Park Jalalabad postcard

Long ago, it was known as Nagarahara or Adinapur. It was a major center for Greco-Buddhist culture. Chinese Buddhist monks visited the area around 400 CE to worship at sacred sites. Later, the region became part of the Muslim Ghaznavid Empire in the 10th century. In the 1500s, the city was named Jalalabad to honor the Mughal ruler Akbar. For many years, it was a favored place for Afghan kings.

Agriculture is a huge part of life in the city.

Jalalabad, Afghanistan (5397994701)
Jalalabad, Afghanistan (5397994701)

About 44% of the land is used for farming. The area is famous for growing many types of fruit. You can find oranges, tangerines, lemons, and limes in the orchards. The narindj orange is a very common kind here. The city also produces 1,800 tonnes of pomegranates every year.

Other crops include grapes, mulberries, olives, and sugarcane. These goods are sold in local markets or sent to Kabul.

Today, the city is home to about 318,733 people.

ننګرهار
ننګرهار

Most residents are Sunni Muslims, though some Sikhs and Hindus live there too. Jalalabad has many places for learning, such as Nangarhar University.

People also enjoy many different sports. Cricket and football are very popular in the country. The Ghazi Amanullah International Cricket Stadium is a modern place for big games.

Jalalabad stadium in June 2011
Jalalabad stadium in June 2011

The city also has an airport to help people travel.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Royal Park Jalalabad postcard.jpg
Royal Park Jalalabad postcard.jpg
File:The Amir’s Garden, Jalālābād WDL11478.png
The Amir’s Garden, Jalālābād WDL11478.png
File:Aerial view of Jalalabad in 2012.jpg
Aerial view of Jalalabad in 2012.jpg
File:ننګرهار.jpg
ننګرهار.jpg
File:Jalalabad - Spīn Ghar Range.JPG
Jalalabad - Spīn Ghar Range.JPG
File:Jalalabad, Afghanistan (5397994701).jpg
Jalalabad, Afghanistan (5397994701).jpg
File:Jalalabad street with rickshaws.jpg
Jalalabad street with rickshaws.jpg
File:Jalalabad stadium in June 2011.jpg
Jalalabad stadium in June 2011.jpg
File:Mausoleum of Amanullah Khan-cropped.jpg
Mausoleum of Amanullah Khan-cropped.jpg
File:جلا اباد Jalalabad city- sherendel Medical Plaza.jpg
جلا اباد Jalalabad city- sherendel...
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