The Helmand Sistan Project
Key Sites
Key Sites

Mukhtar

Gazetteer ID: 736
Latitude: 31.626009   Longitude: 64.501656
Enlarged satellite view

Map Number: 15  Go to the MAP

A large fortified site in the area of Lashkar Gah, Mukhtar likely contained a Hellenistic temple. We base this on the numerous column bases and drums, Ionian column volutes, and other Greek-style architectural decorations, figurines, and Hellenistic pottery found in our examination of the site. The site consists of a rectangular set of walls with corner towers and an extension to the south. Both the original structure and the extension are filled to the height of the remaining walls, sometimes over 10 m in height, so it was impossible to firmly determine the plan of the site. We found similar figurines and architectural fragments at nearby Khwaja Kanur and suspect they were transported from Mukhtar to place on the gravesites of Islamic holy men.

The northern and western exterior sides of the large walled compound of Mukhtar that presumably contains a Hellenistic temple. The nearest corner tower is unusual in that it is five sided. Parts of a later extension to the site are visible on the far right.