Hidden jewel of Afghan culture, todays article..

Architectural historian and broadcaster Dan Cruickshank treks into the mountains of western Afghanistan to visit and film an architectural treasure, the leaning minaret of Jam.
Herat is a wonderful city. It was rebuilt by Alexander the Great around 330 BC, and was later one of the major cities in Tamerlane's empire.

Herat's ancient buildings have been damaged in many military conflicts
We had come not to enjoy its glories, but to get our permission to travel validated by local officials.
First we went to see the Deputy Governor of Herat. Haji Mir Abdul Khaliq was a mujahideen in the 1980s and - robed, turbaned and bearded - looked a formidable character. He was delighted that we wanted to go to Jam.
"Our history is a source of great national pride," he told us. "It's good you should see one of our greatest buildings and show the world." Read full story on this site..

source: bbcnews.co.uk