Once known as Nur, this ancient town was founded in 327 BC by Alexander the Great. The town is also famous as a Muslim pilgrimage place. During the 10th century pilgrims from Bukhara and other places came to the holy graves situated next to the town fortifications and mosques. Currently, pilgrims continue visiting these places and it is one of the most significant religious centres of Islam in the region.


The remains of a military fortress rise up above the town and it is one of the most ancient and significant archaeological monuments of the region. The water supply system that the Alexander the Great installed is still partially used even today.