Tajbeg Palace

Tajbeg Palace, situated on a knoll in southwestern Kabul, is a monumental structure deeply intertwined with the turbulent history of 20th-century Afghanistan. It was built in the 1920s during the reign of King Amanullah Khan as part of the ambitious Darul Aman modernization project, which aimed to transform the capital. The palace's architecture features distinct European influences, reflecting the King's desire to align Afghanistan with Western progress. The site gained international notoriety on December 27, 1979, when Soviet special forces launched Operation 'Storm-333,' storming the palace and assassinating President Hafizullah Amin, an event that triggered the Soviet-Afghan War. During the subsequent decades of civil war, the palace was severely damaged and stood as a hollowed-out ruin, often photographed as a symbol of the nation's devastation. In 2019, a comprehensive restoration project was completed, returning the palace to its original splendor. Today, Tajbeg Palace serves as a venue for official state functions and high-level governmental meetings. Its elevated position provides an expansive view over the Darul Aman district and the neighboring Darul Aman Palace.

Nearby cities

Kabul

Kabul is the capital and most populous city of Afghanistan.

History & landmarks

Bagh-e Bala Palace

A historic palace in Kabul, built at the end of the 19th century.

Chihil Sutun Palace

The 'Palace of Forty Pillars' is located in a vast park in southern Kabul.

Koh-e Asamai (TV Hill)

A prominent mountain in the middle of Kabul, covered with numerous antenna masts.

Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque

This two-story mosque in Kabul stands out for its European-inspired architecture.

Abdul Rahman Mosque

Also known as the Grand Mosque of Kabul, it is one of the largest Islamic places of worship in the country.

Pul-e Khishti Mosque

With its striking blue dome, this mosque in the bustling center of Kabul cannot be missed.

Wazir Akbar Khan Mosque

A prominent mosque in the upscale Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, serving as a significant religious center in the capital.

Arg (Presidential Palace)

The historic presidential palace complex in Kabul, which has served as the official residence and workplace of Afghan heads of state.

Nature

Kabul River

The Kabul River rises in the Hindu Kush and flows through the Afghan capital before reaching Pakistan and flowing into the Indus.

More places

Kabul City Park

One of the first modern amusement parks in the capital, equipped with a Ferris wheel and carousels for children.

Darul Aman Palace

Darul Aman Palace was built in the 1920s by King Amanullah Khan, symbolizing the modernization of Afghanistan before being destroyed and …

Darul Aman Park

A spacious public park surrounding the newly restored Darul Aman Palace, offering a peaceful retreat for families.

National Museum of Afghanistan

This museum in Kabul once housed one of the most significant antiquities collections in Central Asia.

Kabul Zoo

The country's only zoo offers locals a rare opportunity to see domestic and exotic animals.

Bagh-e Babur

Bagh-e Babur in Kabul is a historic park and the final resting place of the first Mughal emperor, Babur.

Gardens of Babur

A historic park in Kabul that houses the tomb of the first Mughal emperor Babur and features terraced gardens.

Jangalak Industrial Complex

The Jangalak Industrial Complex in Kabul was once the largest industrial production center in Afghanistan.