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Mazari Sharif () is the fourth largest city of Afghanistan, with population of 300,600 people (2006 estimate). It is the capital of Balkh province and is linked by roads to Kabul in the south-east, Herat to the west and Uzbekistan to the north. Mazari Sharif means "Noble Shrine," a reference to the large, blue-tiled sanctuary and mosque in the center of the city. Most Afghans (both Shia and Sunni) believe that the site of the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law and cousin is in Mazari Sharif. The dominant language in Mazari Sharif is Dari-Persian. The city is a major tourist attraction because of its fabulous Muslim and Hellenistic archeological sites. In July 2006, the discovery of Hellenistic remains was announced.[1]