Kabul's Bala Hissar Fortress Reveals 2,000 Years of History as Plans Advance for Archaeological Park

Excavations uncover Buddhist remains, a Mughal palace, ancient coins and Islamic pottery, while the Aga Khan Trust for Culture continues restoration work with no confirmed public opening date.

Archaeological excavations and restoration work at the historic Bala Hissar Fortress in Kabul are uncovering evidence of civilisations spanning more than 2,000 years, as part of a long-term conservation project led by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

The initiative aims to protect the ancient citadel and eventually transform it into a public archaeological park.

According to a report published by the Associated Press on November 9, 2026, excavations within the fortress walls have uncovered ancient coins, fragments of Buddhist statues, Islamic pottery and oil lamps, alongside the remains of residential buildings, monasteries and historic palaces.

Among the most significant discoveries are the remains of a Mughal-era palace featuring wall paintings, bathing facilities and a star-shaped pool carved into the rock.

These findings provide valuable insights into the region's architectural heritage and royal life.

Archaeologist Babak Rafiei Alavi, who has participated in the excavations, said the scale of the discoveries exceeded the research team's expectations, particularly as artefacts from different historical periods continued to emerge.

Situated on elevated ground overlooking old Kabul, Bala Hissar has served military, political and religious purposes throughout its history.

Its strategic position connected the fortress to historic routes linking the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia.

Conservation work at the fortress began in 2018, before some excavation activities were interrupted by the political developments of 2021.

Restoration and preservation efforts expanded again in 2022.

The project includes reinforcing damaged walls and towers using locally sourced stone, while maintaining visible distinctions between historic structures and modern additions in accordance with archaeological conservation principles.

It also provides practical training for Afghan archaeology students in excavation, documentation and restoration techniques.

Mustafa Nouri, Project Director at Aga Khan Cultural Services, explained that preserving the fortress could take decades because of its extensive size and the complexity of its archaeological layers.

The long-term vision is to transform Bala Hissar into a public archaeological park featuring landscaped gardens, a museum and visitor facilities.

The proposed development would allow visitors to explore the site's history and the different civilisations that shaped it.

However, no official opening date has been announced for the archaeological park or its planned facilities, while archaeological research and conservation work continue.

Bala Hissar demonstrates the importance of protecting cultural heritage in regions affected by decades of conflict.

Its archaeological discoveries reveal a rich history extending far beyond the fortress's military role.

In the future, the project could provide a distinctive cultural experience, presenting Kabul's Buddhist, Islamic and Mughal heritage through its surviving archaeological remains.

However, the fortress should not currently be regarded as a fully developed tourism attraction ready for visitors.

The immediate priority remains protecting the discoveries and completing conservation work to preserve this remarkable historical legacy for future generations.