‘The Oriental geography of Ebn Haukal, an Arabian traveller of the tenth century’ [‎223] (276/388)

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In the district of Kaien, on the road leading to Nishapour, is
found such excellent chalk, that it is sent into all parts. Through
out all the region of ^ Kouhestan there is not any river
water: the inhabitants, therefore, drink water preserved in
trenches, or well-water. Here they manufacture very fine linen>
hair-cloth, and similar stuffs.
^ Balhh.-
t
-Of Balkh these are the various districts and diyi-
sions: Tokharestan, Khulm, Sernen-
gan, Baghelan, Sekilkend, Zaalein,
^j\ Arher, jj \ j Rawer, Talk an, Sehekemest
\ jjj fFerwa, Serai Aasim, Hesheh, ^IjcXJl
Anderab, Mudr, and Kah. The towns in the hilly
part of this country are, Shehran, Hellaverd,
and Lavakend, Kaweil, Helil,
Sekandereh, Kabul, Penjehir, which is also called
Satir: but we descibe these cities of the hilly country as
belonging to Maweralnahr; but some may be esteemed rather in
the territory of Badakshan.
The city of Balkh is situated on a level ground, at the
distance of four farsang from the mountains: it has ramparts,
with a castle and mosques; and extends about half a farsang:
the buildings are of clay. There are six gates. The first of these
is called jC > Deri Nuhehar; another, the Deri
Rehabeh: another, the i ^ j \ jO ^ X & Derwazeh Hindouan