Kushk Robat Sangi District
Kushk Robat Sangi is a significant and strategically situated district in the northern part of Afghanistan’s Herat Province. Located approximately 60 kilometers north of Herat city, it was historically part of the larger Kushk District, which has since been subdivided into two smaller districts: Kushk Robat Sangi and Kushk Kohna.
With an area of about 2,923 square kilometers, Kushk Robat Sangi ranks among the largest districts in Herat Province. Its district center sits at an elevation of roughly 1,400 meters above sea level. Bordering Turkmenistan, the district includes the official crossing point and trade hub of Turghandi Port, which plays a central role in trade and logistics between the two countries.
Population and Language
Estimated at around 135,390 residents, the district is predominantly Dari-speaking, and most of its inhabitants follow the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam. The people are known for their strong sense of hospitality, cultural richness, and religious devotion.
Villages and Settlements
Kushk Robat Sangi comprises roughly 180 villages—both official and unofficial—scattered across the district. Many of these villages are historically old, and others are located near the border. Historically unpaved rural roads connect these communities, although recent efforts have been made to improve and pave infrastructure.
Economy and Livelihood
The backbone of the district’s economy is agriculture and livestock rearing. Fertile land, access to irrigation sources, and a temperate climate support the cultivation of wheat, barley, chickpeas, lentils, and other crops. Animal husbandry is also common, with households maintaining sheep, goats, and cattle.
Proximity to the Turghandi border crossing has also enabled some residents to engage in cross-border trade and small-scale commerce, harnessing economic opportunities that the official trade point provides.
Culture, Education, and Sports
Residents of Kushk Robat Sangi place high importance on culture and tradition. Evening gatherings, poetry recitals, religious and literary assemblies frequently take place. Among the youth, popular pastimes include volleyball, football, and traditional sports like goat-butting (bozkashi).
Educationally, the district has several primary and secondary schools and a few high schools. Nevertheless, many remote villages still face significant challenges in accessing quality education and modern facilities.
Strategic and Political Importance
Kushk Robat Sangi’s border with Turkmenistan and its inclusion of the Turghandi port make it strategically critical for political, economic, and security considerations in Herat. In recent years, government agencies and international NGOs have implemented development projects in the district, focusing on infrastructure, agricultural extension, education, and health services.
