# Ghazni

> city in Afghanistan

**Wikidata**: [Q173731](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173731)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghazni)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ghazni

## Summary
Ghazni is a large city and former capital located in Afghanistan, serving as the administrative center for both Ghazni Province and Ghazni District. With a population exceeding 140,000, it is historically significant as the capital of the medieval Ghaznavid Empire and contains notable historical sites such as the Ghazni Minarets and the Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in Afghanistan, specifically within Ghazni District and Ghazni Province.
- **Coordinates**: 33.549166666667° N, 68.423333333333° E.
- **Elevation**: 2,219 meters above sea level.
- **Timezone**: UTC+04:30.
- **Population**: 143,379 (2015), 141,000 (2006), and 30,425 (1979).
- **Classification**: Defined as a city, a big city (population over 100,000), and a former capital.
- **Capital Status**: Served as the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire (inception 962), Ghazni Province, Ghazni District, and the Emirat de Gazni.
- **Historical Landmarks**: Home to the Ghazni Minarets (inception 1150), the Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III (inception 1112), and the Museum of Islamic Art (inception 1966).
- **UN/LOCODE**: AFGZI.
- **Twin City**: Hayward.
- **Native Name**: غزني.
- **Aliases**: Includes Gajani, Ghuzni, Ġaznī, Gaznī, Ġazni, Ghazna, Gazna, and Ghaznî.

## FAQs
**Where is Ghazni located?**
Ghazni is located in the country of Afghanistan, serving as the capital of Ghazni Province and the administrative center of Ghazni District.

**What is the population of Ghazni?**
The city's population has grown significantly over time, recorded as 30,425 in 1979, 141,000 in 2006, and reaching 143,379 in 2015.

**What historical empires were associated with Ghazni?**
Ghazni was the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire, which began in 962, and is historically related to the Ghurid Empire, a medieval Tajik empire that began in 786.

**What are the major historical sites found in Ghazni?**
The city hosts the Ghazni Minarets, built in 1150; the ruins of the Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III, constructed in 1112; and the Museum of Islamic Art, established in 1966.

**What are the alternative names for Ghazni?**
The city is known by numerous aliases, including Ghazna, Gazna, Ghuzni, Ġaznī, Gaznī, and its official native name, غزني.

## Why It Matters
Ghazni serves as a critical historical and cultural hub in Afghanistan, primarily due to its legacy as the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire, which played a pivotal role in the region's medieval history. Its architectural heritage, including the surviving Ghazni Minarets and the Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III, provides physical evidence of its past prominence and Islamic artistry. As a modern provincial capital with a growing population and established infrastructure like Ghazni Airport, it continues to function as a vital administrative center. The city's documentation across numerous global encyclopedias and its recognition in international knowledge bases underscore its enduring significance in both historical and contemporary contexts.

## Notable For
- Serving as the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire starting in the year 962.
- Containing the Ghazni Minarets, two towers constructed in 1150.
- Housing the ruins of the Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III, which dates back to 1112.
- Being the location of the Museum of Islamic Art, established in 1966.
- Having a high elevation of 2,219 meters above sea level.
- Being twinned with the city of Hayward.
- Possessing a rich variety of historical aliases and references in encyclopedias such as the Great Soviet Encyclopedia and the Encyclopædia Britannica.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Ghazni is a large human settlement classified as a city and a big city due to its population exceeding 100,000. It is geographically positioned in Afghanistan, a country in Central and South Asia. Specifically, it is located within Ghazni District and serves as the capital of Ghazni Province. The city's precise coordinates are 33.549166666667° latitude and 68.423333333333° longitude. Ghazni sits at an elevation of 2,219 meters above sea level and operates in the UTC+04:30 timezone. Its UN/LOCODE is AFGZI.

### Demographics and Classification
The city has experienced population growth over the decades, with records showing 30,425 inhabitants in 1979, 141,000 in 2006, and 143,379 in 2015. Ghazni is defined by several classifications, including "city," "big city," and "former capital." It is the native location of the category "Category:People of Ghazni" and is associated with the category "Category:Deaths in Ghazni."

### Historical Significance and Empires
Historically, Ghazni is most notable for being the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire, a former country that began in 962. It is also connected to the Ghurid Empire, a medieval Tajik empire that began in 786. Additionally, it served as the capital of the Emirat de Gazni. The city's historical importance is documented in various sources, including the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947), The Nuttall Encyclopædia, and the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.

### Architecture and Landmarks
Ghazni contains several significant historical structures. The Ghazni Minarets, two towers located in the city, were built in 1150. The Palace of Sultan Mas'ud III consists of palace ruins dating back to 1112. The city is also home to the Museum of Islamic Art, which was established in 1966. An image of the Citadel of Ghazni, as seen from Tapa Sardar, represents the city's visual heritage.

### Infrastructure and Administration
In terms of infrastructure, Ghazni is served by Ghazni Airport. Administratively, it functions as the capital of both Ghazni Province and Ghazni District. The city has established a twin city relationship with Hayward. It is also referenced by various identifiers, including the GND ID (4241053-8), VIAF ID (147767675), and GeoNames ID (1141269).

### External References and Identifiers
Ghazni is widely recognized in global knowledge systems. It has a Wikipedia presence in numerous languages, including Arabic, Persian, Chinese, and English. The city is listed in encyclopedic resources such as the Encyclopædia Universalis, the TDV Encyclopedia of Islam, and the Brockhaus Enzyklopädie Online. Other identifiers include the Freebase ID (/m/020ctb), the Library of Congress Authority ID (n82066063), and the OpenStreetMap node ID (312452077). The official and native name of the city is غزني.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. First Population Census of Afghanistan (1979)
4. GeoNames
5. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/af.htm)
6. Quora
7. KBpedia