The Spiritual Attraction of Swat, KPK
Swat
is the district of KPK province of Pakistan. It is considered as the third
largest district of KPK having population of 2,309,570. It was also considered
as the Switzerland of the Pakistan due to its beautiful landscape and mountains
covered with snowcaps.
History of Swat
The
old name of swat was UDYANA which was then changed to SUVASTU. This land was
first captured by Mahmud of Ghazni which was then taken by the Yusufzais.
Majority of the local speak Pashto as their native language. They also speak
Urdu to great extent. It was the princely state of Yusufzais which become the
part of Pakistan after independence.
Swat
valley was greatly affected by natural disasters including floods and earth
quake. The 2010 flood destroyed the infrastructure and roads. The tourist
points were affected badly. Before 2008 Taliban and Pakistan Army war in the
region the buildings, roads and bridges were damaged. The peaceful region of
swat was considered as dangerous area back in 2008. Several incidents of
killing and kidnapping of foreign tourist damaged the image of swat. These
incidents also force the local people to left the region and migrate to other
districts of KPK.
After
2009, Pakistan Army took over the valley and restored the infrastructure,
roads, bridges and schools. Slowly and gradually the peace of the valley was
restored by the help of local people, government and Pakistan Army and forces.
Now
Swat valley is one of the top tourism destinations in Pakistan and also in the
world. The beauty attracts a lot of tourist around the world especially in
winter season. In winter season, ski players all over the world visit Malamjaba
for ski tournaments.
Heritage of Swat Valley
The
people of swat valley are simple innocent people. They usually made handmade
ornaments and embroidery shawls, bags, caps and other decorative items. The
basic source of income is agriculture. They grow different fruits and
vegetables. The apple of swat is famous in Pakistan. 18 different types of
apples grow in swat region. People also grow strawberries peaches and oranges. Swati
embroidery is also famous in swat. In past, it was the hobby of the unmarried
young girls to make embroidery dresses, shawls, pillow covers, table cloth,
scarves, handkerchief etc.
Heritage places to visit in Swat
There
are many old heritage and famous tourist points in swat which many of us don’t
know at all.
Buddhist Stupas
There
are many famous archaeological sites in swat which belong to Buddhist period.
There are estimated 1400 stupas and monasteries in swat. They were used for
worship and religion education.
Swat Museum
There
is also swat museum which contain old heritage belong to the Gandhara
Civilization. It is located between the cities of Mingora and Saidu Sharif.
White Palace (Sufed Mahal)
 |
| White Palace (Sufe'd Mahal) |
Shrine of Akhund (Saidu Baba)
Saidu
is called “Pious City” because of the shrine of Akhund. Saidu Baba was a
religious leader who played important role in the formation of Swat. He fought
many battles against the British Forces by leading the Yusufzais and other
Pashtun tribes.
Every
year large number of visitors and devotes visit the shrine of Saidu Baba in the
Swat.
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| Saidu Baba Mosque |
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| Saidu Baba Mosque |
Barikot Ghundai
It
is a small town in the district of Swat, KPK. In past years, many Hindu temples
were discovered there. Barikot Ghundai becomes the famous and attractive place
after the discovery of 1300 years old temple. The temple was believed to be
linked with the God Vishnu. It was built by Hindus more than 1300 years ago
during the period of Hindu Shahi. Recently, many archeologists around the world
visited the place to gather samples, traces and evidences.
 |
| Old Buddha |
Swat is also known as “The Switzerland of
Pakistan”, or “Mini Switzerland” due to its beautiful landscapes, valleys,
lakes, and mountains covered with snowcaps. The detail will be shared in next
article/blog.
Hope you all enjoyed reading the article.
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