Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, satellite image. Mazar-e-Sharif is in northern Afghanistan. The tomb of Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of Muhammed, is reputed to have been discovered in the city. A blue-tiled mosque and shrine marks its location. Mazar-e- Sharif is surrounded by fertile fields irrigated by the Balkh river. The fields grow cotton and grain for the city's flour milling and textile industries, as well as fruit. An airport (centre right) is located just outside of the city. Taken by the Ikonos satellite on 11 August 2000.