Centuries old minaret, as pictured in July 2001Ghazni (Persian: غزنی) is a city in central Afghanistan, situated on a plateau at 7280 feet above sea level. It lies on the road between Kandahar and Kabul at 68 18 E. long., 33 44 N. lat. Ghazni is the capital of the Ghazni province.

Under the name Ghazna, it was the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire, ruled by the Ghaznavid Sultans, after the fall of the Empire of the Nasher-Khans.

Tombs of many poets and scientists are located in Ghazni, for example the Tomb of Al Biruni.

Ghazni is also famous for its minarets built on a stellar plan. They date from the middle of the twelfth century and are the surviving element of the mosque of Bahramshah. Their sides are decorated with geometric patterns. Upper sections of the minarets have been damaged or destroyed.

Notables from Ghazna:Data Ganj Bakhsh ;Sanai ;Mahmud of Ghazni ;Hassan Ghaznavi