Qala-e-Bost (Persian: کھنه د بوست, "Old Bost"), also romanized Qalai Bust, is a fortress in Bost, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, built 3000 years ago.[1][2][3] It is located at 31° 30’ 02″ N, 64° 21’ 24″ E near the convergence of the Helmand and Arghandab Rivers, a half-hour's drive south of Lashkargah. Qala-e-Bost is famous for its 11th century decorative arch, which appears on the 100 Afghani note (Afghan currency). The arch is part of the remains of a mosque.[4]

Qala-e-Bost
Archeological site
Ghurid dynasty arch in Qala-e-Bost
Qala-e-Bost Location in Afghanistan
Coordinates: 31°30′2″N 64°21′24″E
Country	Afghanistan
Province	Helmand

History

In 2006, construction began on a cobblestone road to lead from the south of Lashkargah to the Qala-e-Bost Arch (known to readers of James A. Michener's Caravans as Qala Bist.)[5] As of April 2008, it was possible to descend into an ancient shaft about 20 feet across and 200 feet deep, with a series of dark side rooms and a spiral staircase leading to the bottom. In 2020, restoration work started on the fort.[6][7]

In 2021, it became home to hundreds of people who fled Taliban clashes.[8]

See also

• List of castles in Afghanistan

References

External links

• Qala-e-Bost images

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