KPKPakistanPeshawar

Historical City Peshawar

Peshawar Pakistan

Historical City Peshawar

Peshawar is the famous city and capital of the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Is it situated close with border of Afghanistan. Peshawar was the capital in the history during the ancient Kushan Empire, and it was home of the tallest building in the ancient world before the Muslim empires.

The city was an important trading point during the Mughal era. The city of Peshawar is famous with the name of city of flowers due to its beauty. Peshawar is the sixth-largest of Pakistan and its population is increasing speedy.

Overview on City Peshawar

Aspect Information
Name Peshawar City
Location Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Population Approximately 1.97 million (as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021; population figures may have changed)
Area Approximately 1,257 square kilometers
History Peshawar has a rich and diverse history, with roots dating back to ancient times, making it one of the oldest cities in South Asia. It has seen influences from various civilizations, including the Gandhara, Persian, Greek, and Islamic cultures.
Geography The city is located in the Peshawar Valley near the eastern end of the Khyber Pass. It is surrounded by mountains, including the famous Khyber Pass to the west and the Margalla Hills to the east.
Climate Peshawar experiences a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters.
Economy The city’s economy is diverse, with a focus on trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. Peshawar is known for its vibrant bazaars, trade with Afghanistan, and the famous Peshawari chappal (traditional footwear).
Languages Spoken The primary language spoken is Pashto, but Urdu is widely used for communication. English is also understood and spoken, especially in educational and business settings.
Education Peshawar is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Peshawar, Khyber Medical University, and numerous schools and colleges.
Transportation The city is well-connected by road, with the historic Grand Trunk Road passing through it. Peshawar is also served by an international airport.
Landmarks Notable landmarks include the Peshawar Museum, Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers’ Market), and the Bala Hisar Fort, among others.
Cultural Events Peshawar hosts various cultural events and festivals, celebrating Pashtun traditions, music, and dance.
Healthcare Peshawar has multiple medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to cater to the healthcare needs of its residents.
Dining The city offers a rich culinary experience with a variety of Pashtun dishes such as chapli kebabs, pulao, and seekh kebabs. Additionally, you can find a range of Pakistani and international cuisines.

Following are famous places of Peshawar:

Bab-e-Khyber

The Bab-e-Khyber, or the Khyber Gate, was built in 1964 at the mouth of the fabled Khyber Pass, where the Jamrud Fort is also located. The pass itself is a witness to history, and has seen countless invaders and great warriors enter the rich lands of subcontinent to seek their fortunes and build empires.

Khyber University

Khyber Medical University (KMU) is a prominent institution in Peshawar, Pakistan, specializing in medical and health sciences education. Established in 2007, it offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various medical disciplines. Affiliated with colleges in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, KMU is a hub for training healthcare professionals. The university is actively engaged in research, contributing to scientific publications in the field. With modern facilities and collaborations with national and international institutions, KMU plays a vital role in advancing medical education and research in the region.

Peshawar Museum

The museum houses a treasure trove of artifacts from the Gandhara civilization, showcasing Buddhist sculptures, ancient coins, and historical relics. It provides invaluable insights into the rich tapestry of the region’s history.

Qissa Khwani Bazaar (Storytellers’ Market)

This bustling bazaar has been a hub for traders, storytellers, and travelers for centuries. Its name reflects the tradition of travelers sharing tales here. The market offers a vibrant glimpse into daily life, with shops selling traditional goods, spices, and colorful fabrics.

Bala Hisar Fort

Overlooking the city, the Bala Hisar Fort has guarded Peshawar for centuries. Its history dates back to the Sikh and Durrani empires. While not fully accessible to the public, its presence is a testament to Peshawar’s historical resilience.

Cultural Traditions:

Peshawar is a city that thrives on its cultural traditions. Pashto, the primary language spoken, resounds in the vibrant bazaars, where shopkeepers greet you with warm smiles. Peshawar hosts various cultural events and festivals, celebrating Pashtun traditions, music, and dance.

The Pashtunwali code, a set of traditional laws and customs, shapes social interactions and emphasizes hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms and treated to local traditions, including music and dance performances.

The Flavors of Peshawar

Peshawar’s cuisine is a delightful journey of flavors. It’s famous for its distinct Pashtun dishes, including:

  • Chapli Kebabs: These flavorful minced meat kebabs, seasoned with an array of spices, are a local specialty.
  • Peshawari Pulao: Fragrant rice cooked with spices, meat, and an abundance of ghee (clarified butter).
  • Seekh Kebabs: Succulent minced meat skewers cooked over open flames, infused with aromatic spices.
  • Kabuli Palaw: A hearty dish of rice and tender chunks of meat, often garnished with raisins and carrots.
  • Namkeen (Savory) Chai: Peshawar is renowned for its strong, spiced tea, perfect for sipping in the bustling bazaars.
  • Nan Kabab: Skewered minced meat wrapped in freshly baked naan, a delectable street food.

Peshawar’s dining experience is not only a culinary exploration but a journey into the heart of Pashtun hospitality.

Schools:

  • Army Public School and College Peshawar
  • Beaconhouse School System Peshawar
  • Edwardes College Peshawar
  • Frontier Children’s Academy
  • Presentation Convent High School

Colleges:

  • Islamia College Peshawar
  • Khyber Medical College
  • Edwards College Peshawar
  • Jinnah College for Women
  • Government College Peshawar

Universities:

  • University of Peshawar
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University
  • Qurtuba University of Science and Information Technology
  • Abasyn University
  • National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Peshawar Campus

Hospitals:

  • Lady Reading Hospital
  • Hayatabad Medical Complex
  • Khyber Teaching Hospital
  • Northwest General Hospital & Research Center
  • Rehman Medical Institute

Restaurants:

  • The Monal Peshawar
  • Namak Mandi Restaurant
  • BBQ Tonight Peshawar
  • Silk Road Restaurant
  • Charasi Tikka Restaurant

FAQs

What is the significance of Peshawar in ancient history?

Peshawar, known as Purushapura in antiquity, was a key center of the Gandhara civilization and played a crucial role in trade along the Silk Road. Its rich history encompasses influences from Greek, Persian, Buddhist, and Islamic cultures.

How did Buddhism influence Peshawar?

Peshawar was a major center of Buddhist culture, with numerous monasteries and stupas dotting its landscape. The city’s Gandhara art, with its distinctive fusion of Greek and Indian styles, is a testament to the cultural exchange that took place during this period.

What role did Peshawar play during the British colonial era?

Peshawar served as a strategic military outpost for the British during the colonial period. The city’s architecture bears witness to this influence, with structures like the Cunningham Clock Tower and Edwardes College reflecting British design aesthetics.

How has Peshawar faced challenges in recent history?

Peshawar has confronted challenges such as the Afghan conflict and terrorism. Despite these difficulties, the city has shown remarkable resilience, maintaining its cultural vibrancy and serving as a testament to the strength of its people.

Wind-up Lines

The annals of Peshawar’s history, the echoes of ancient civilizations, the serene whispers of Buddhist monks, and the resolute footsteps of colonial soldiers linger in the air.

Peshawar stands as a living testament to the tapestry of human history, where each thread, whether woven in times of peace or conflict, contributes to the rich and diverse fabric of this extraordinary city. In Peshawar, the past is not a distant memory but a vibrant tapestry that continues to weave itself into the present and future.

Abbas Ali

He is known as Travel Explorer. He is doing his job in web software development for more than 13 years. He feels relaxed when visiting the beautiful places of Pakistan. He captures the beautiful moments of the northern areas and shares his experiences. He is continuously enjoying his job, nature, and family life together.

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