MazÄ?r-e SharÄ«f, also known as Mazar-e-Sharif, Mazar-i Sharif and Mazar-i-Sharif (in Persian مزار شریÙ?), is a city in northern Afghanistan and the capital of Balkh province. The dominant language in the city is Dari. The city is significant to local Shi'ite Muslims who believe that the fourth caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib is buried there. The population is 183,000 (2002 official estimate}.
Mazar-e Sharif remained a stronghold of opposition groups for several years after the Taliban took control of much of Afghanistan. Between May and July 1997 the Taliban unsuccesfully tried attempted to take control of the city until August 8, 1998, reportedly leading to a killing frenzy.
On November 9, 2001 the city was recaptured by the Afghan Northern Alliance after heavy battles with help from the United States.
Mazar-e Sharif was formerly the capital of the historical province of Afghan Turkestan.
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