How to Pronounce کابل (Kabul)

Meaning and Context

Kabul, the capital and largest city of Afghanistan, is a historic metropolis situated in a narrow valley along the Kabul River and ringed by the Hindu Kush mountains. Founded over 3,500 years ago, it has been a pivotal cultural and economic hub along the Silk Road, witnessing the influence of empires from the Persians and Macedonians to the Mughals and British. Designated the nation's capital in 1776 by Timur Shah Durrani, Kabul serves as Afghanistan's political, cultural, and economic center, home to key institutions like the Arg (Presidential Palace), the historic Kabul University, and landmarks such as the Gardens of Babur. The city's profound history, from its zenith as a center for Islamic scholarship to its resilience through modern conflicts, makes it essential to understanding Afghan identity and the complex geopolitics of Central Asia.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling in the Latin alphabet is Kabul, which is the standard English transliteration. A common historical alternative is Cabool, used in 19th-century British texts. Frequent misspellings and typos include "Kable," "Kabal," "Kabull," and "Kabuli" (the latter being the demonym for a resident or an adjective for things pertaining to the city, not the city itself). In online searches, users may also mistakenly type "Kabul Afghanistan" as a single word or confuse it with "cable," the English word for a wire. The city's name is written as کابل in both Pashto and Dari scripts, with the pronunciation differing slightly: it is stressed on the second syllable in Pashto (ka-BOOL) and on the first syllable in Dari (KAH-bool).

Example Sentences

After decades of conflict, rebuilding the cultural heritage of Kabul remains a priority for historians and preservationists alike.

Many international aid organizations have their regional headquarters located in Kabul, coordinating efforts across the country.

The famous Chicken Street market in Kabul was once a bustling destination for tourists seeking carpets and handicrafts.

Flights into Kabul International Airport provide a critical link between Afghanistan and the outside world.

Scholars often note that the poetry and music originating from Kabul reflect the diverse tapestry of Afghan culture.

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