This is Afghanistan's Red City. This view is from Shahr-i-Zohok (the "Red City") in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan.  Once a citadel that housed about 3,000 people, it was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. The Mongol invaders also leveled the nearby city that the fortress had protected and massacred all of its inhabitants (possibly 150,000) and animals. In memorial to the victims, the site is today known as Shahr-i-Gholghola (the "City of Screams"). Click here to enlarge this image.

Click here to go to the geography and photos page for Afghanistan.