Chihil Sutun (Persian: چهلستون, meaning "Forty Columns"), also spelled Chehel Sutoon, Chelsutoon, ChehelsetonorChihilsitoon, is a historic palace with gardens located about 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) east of DarulamaninKabul, Afghanistan. It was built in 1796 by Emperor Zaman Shah Durrani.[1] The palace and neighborhood are part of District 7 of the city.
| Chihil Sutun | |
|---|---|
چهلستون
| |
 | |
 | |
| Former names | Hendaki |
| Alternative names | Chihilsitoon |
| Etymology | Forty Columns |
| General information | |
| Type | Palace |
| Town or city | Kabul |
| Country | Afghanistan |
| Estimated completion | 1796[1] |
Chihil Sutun is a historical site. It was developed in the late 18th century by Zaman Shah, one of rulers of the Durrani Empire.[1] The current palace and pavilion were originally built at the same location by then-Emir Abdur Rahman Khan at the end of the 19th century. Historic maps also refer to both the palace and area as Hendaki.[2]
The palace's commemorative plaque was set in 1888. It was expanded with paved walkways and marble fountains by his successor Habibullah Khan. It had been used at times as a state guesthouse during the 20th century, notably being the visiting residence of U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower and Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, and during the communist era, was used as a government media hub.[3] The site was heavily damaged by civil war and laid in ruins for years, before it was fully rebuilt and reopened in 2019.[4]
Chihilsitoon is located in the outskirts of the city's urban area, just east from the Kabul River that streams south towards Char Asiab. The Chihilsitoon Road links it towards central Kabul to the north and Darulaman to the west. Like other places of District 7, it is an unplanned area and generally poor.[5]
34°28′N 69°10′E / 34.467°N 69.167°E / 34.467; 69.167
