Remnants of ancient architecture often linger among the modern structures. Historic fortresses, aqueducts, temples, baths, and castles can be seen in a majority of the cities.

A path runs along the spine of earthen walls that once surrounded ancient Balkh, a Central Asian oasis known as the Mother of all Cities.

But back in Balkh district the Taliban are formalising their own rival government. They've taken over all the official buildings in the town, bar one large, now abandoned police compound.