Sheberghan

Sheberghan, also spelled Shiberghan, is the capital city of Jowzjan Province in northern Afghanistan. It sits in the province’s oasis belt near the Turkmenistan border and acts as the administrative and economic center for the region. The city is a hub for government services, trade, and local markets.

The population is ethnically diverse, with Uzbek and Turkmen communities forming significant groups alongside Pashtun, Tajik, and other residents. The area around the city experiences an arid to semi-arid climate, and irrigation from local water sources supports agriculture in the surrounding countryside.

Economically, agriculture is central to the region, with crops such as cotton, wheat, and various fruits produced in the vicinity. Pistachios are grown in parts of Jowzjan Province, and livestock farming complements farming activities. The city provides markets and connectivity for rural producers to regional and border trade. It is served by road links to other northern cities, including Mazar-i-Sharif, and hosts basic infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, and government offices. Development efforts in irrigation, electricity, and public services have been ongoing amid Afghanistan’s broader security and reconstruction challenges.

Historically, the area around Sheberghan has deep roots in the broader Bactrian region, with a long tradition of irrigation and settlement. In modern times, Sheberghan has functioned as the provincial capital since the mid-20th century and has experienced disruption and rebuilding in the context of Afghanistan’s conflicts and political transitions.

The surrounding region features longstanding irrigation networks and traditional markets, reflecting its role as an agricultural and commercial hub in northern Afghanistan.