Gilgit is a city located in the northern region of Pakistan, and is considered one of the most famous cities in the country for several reasons.
Firstly, Gilgit is located at the crossroads of some of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. This makes it a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers from all over the world.
Secondly, Gilgit is known for its rich cultural heritage and diversity. The city is home to several ethnic groups, each with their own distinct language, customs, and traditions. This cultural diversity is reflected in the city’s food, music, and arts.
Thirdly, Gilgit is known for its scenic beauty and stunning landscapes. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and sparkling blue lakes, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Additionally, the people of Gilgit are known for their hospitality and warmth, making the city a welcoming and enjoyable place for visitors.
In short, Gilgit is a city that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and friendly people, making it one of the most popular and famous cities in Pakistan.
what is the history of Gilgit Baltistan?
Gilgit-Baltistan, also known as the Northern Areas of Pakistan, has a rich and complex history.
The region has been inhabited by various ethnic groups throughout history, including the Dards, Burusho, Wakhi, and Balti people.
Historically, the region was a crossroads of various cultures, religions, and empires, due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and China.
During the medieval period, the region was ruled by various local dynasties
, including the Shahi dynasty, the Lohar dynasty, and the Raees dynasty. In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire conquered the region, and it remained under their rule until the mid-18th century.
In the 19th century, the region came under the control of the British Indian
Empire, and it became part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. After the partition of British India in 1947, the region was claimed by both Pakistan and India, and a dispute over its status continues to this day.
After the partition of British India, the Government of Pakistan took control of
the region, but until 1970s, it had been a semi-autonomous territory with a weak administrative setup. It was only in 1970s when it was officially declared as a province of Pakistan with the name of Northern Areas.
Despite being a part of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan has had a complex political status
and it has not been fully integrated into the Pakistani political system.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in Gilgit-Baltistan for greater
autonomy and the recognition of its separate cultural and political identity.
There have been calls to convert it into the fifth province of Pakistan, though the decision is yet to be made.
How the people of Gilgit Baltistani live their life’s
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan live a unique and diverse lifestyle, as the region is
home to a variety of ethnic groups, each with their own customs, traditions, and ways of life. The lifestyle of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is influenced by the region’s mountainous terrain, harsh climate, and remote location.
In the rural areas, the people are mostly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.
The terraced fields, and narrow valleys are used for growing a variety of crops,
such as wheat, barley, maize, and vegetables. Animal husbandry is an important source of livelihood for the people living in rural areas, and they keep various types of animals including goats, sheep, yaks, and cows.
In the urban areas, many people are engaged in government and private
sector jobs, while others are involved in small business or trade. The city of Gilgit is the main hub of the region’s economy,
and it has been growing rapidly in recent years with an increasing number of small and medium businesses.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are known for their traditional culture and hospitality.
They celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Eid-ul-Fitr,
Eid-ul-Azha, and the regional festivals of Shandur Polo, Phander Lake Festival and many more.
Despite being a relatively underdeveloped region, tourism is also an important source of income for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
It is known for its spectacular landscapes, cultural diversity, and rich historical and religious sites, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
