Chitral Valley
Chitral (Cartella: فولڈر Roman: ćhitrār, lit. "field") is a city on the Chitral
River in the northern district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It serves as the capital
of Lower Chitral District, was formerly the capital of Chitral District, and
was formerly the capital of the Raja Raj of Chitral. The region was annexed to
West Pakistan between 1969 and 1972. As of 2017 census, it has a total
population of 49,780.
History
Chitral (City State)
There is no definitive record of the city's first settlers. The Chinese occupied the valley in the 4th century AD. Rais's rule over Chitral began in 1320 and ended in the 15th century. Chitral was the capital of Chitral from 1571 during the reign of the Kattur dynasty.
ancient
Gencorinetic Tomb at Singur. |
The region that now forms Chitral was allegedly conquered by the Achaemenid Persians and was part of their eastern empire. During the Kushan period, many Buddhist monuments were built around the area, especially stupas and monasteries. The Kushans also patronized Buddhist art. Some of the finest examples of Buddha statues in the region were produced during the Kushan dynasty.
Shahi Masjid in Chitral
Shahi Masjid in Chitral |
Integration with Pakistan
In 1947, after the
partition of the British colony of India, the princely states were offered
either to remain independent or to choose between two new systems. Initially,
Chitral chose to remain an independent state. Later Mahatir of Chitral who was
a friend of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah joined Pakistan and thus Chitral
became part of the princely states of Pakistan. From 1969 to 1972, it was fullyincorporated into Pakistan as the administrative district of Chitral.
Role in the First Kashmir
War Chitral played an important role in the First Kashmir War of 1947-48. Soon
after joining Pakistan, Mukhtar Muzaffar Mulk declared a jihad to
"liberate" Kashmir from the Dogras. By then the Gilgit scouts were
retreating and the Dogra forces had succeeded in Barzil Pass. In these
circumstances, the Chitral Scouts replaced the Gilgit Scouts in Dumel and Kumri
sectors while the Chitral Guard Force moved to Skardu. The defenders of Chitral
led the longest siege in military history under the leadership of the Amir of
Chitral which ended with the fall of Skardu, the surrender of the Dogars, and
the occupation of Baltistan. Meanwhile, the Chitral Scouts joined the Gilgit
Scouts and proceeded to capture the Kargil Pass.
Geography
Chitral city
The average elevation of
the city is 1,500 meters (4,921 ft).
Weather
Chitral city |
Languages of
Chitral.
Urdu is the official language of the city. According to the 1981 census, Khowar is the primary language spoken by 98% of the population. Kalash is also spoken by very fewinhabitants. According to the 2017 census, Chitral has a population of 49,780.
Places to Visit in Chitral Valley
Tehsil Chitral
Places to Visit in Chitral: Tirich Mirl |
As a popular tourist destination in the north of Pakistan, many tourist spots in Chitral Valley offer beautiful scenery and a pleasant atmosphere. Some of them are mentioned below:
Tirich Mir
Places to visit in Chitral: Trish Mir |
Chitral Museum
Places to visit in Chitral: Chitral Museum |
The museum is divided into
two sections: Ethnographic and Archaeological-Kalash. In the first part, we see
ancient ornaments, tools, and furniture that were used in the 12th century. On
the other hand, items related to Kalash show Greek cultural heritage.
Especially things related to their god and goddess.
Shahi Masjid
Places to visit in Chitral: Shahi Masjid |
Shahi Masjid is a magnificent architectural monument. Shuja-ul-Mulk built the Shahi Mosque in 1924. The architecture truly represents the elite culture and traditions of Chitral.
Shahi Qila
Places to visit in Chitral Valley: Shahi Fort |
Gram Chashma
Gram Chashma is also a favorite and popular place to explore the mysterious land of Chitral. Khana Chashma, as the name suggests, supplies hot water to the springs. Generally, all springs have cold water, but this one is unique. About 45 miles north of Chitral, Gram Chashma is accessible by jeep. First, it is known for its healing properties.
Places to visit in Chitral: Barmogulasht |
Barmoghlasht
Nestled amidst towering mountains and lush greenery, Bramgalshit is one of the summer resorts of Chitral. It is located at a distance of 14.5 km from Chitral. Tourists prefer to visit this place in both seasons. The resort is perfect for paragliding in summer and skiing in winter. Every season brings adventure to this resort.
Ayun Valley
Places to visit in Chitral: Avon Valley |
Shandur Polo Ground
Places to visit in Chitral: Shandur Polo Ground |
Kalash Valley
Places to visit in Chitral Valley: Kalash Valley |
Koghazi and Goleen
Chitral Valley Tour: Kogazi Golan |
We hope you enjoy our top
10 places to visit in Chitral. If we missed something, drop us a line in the
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