Shigar Fort, Baltistan, Northern Pakistan

(adapted from online sources)

Built in the 17th century by one of the warring Rajas of Baltistan, the Shigar Fort is a perfectly restored example of the traditional fortress-palace. Home to countless generations of the Amacha royal family, it was built to serve as both a refuge and as a celebration of the traditional heritage of this dynasty.

Today, exquisitely restored in 2004, to its former glory by local artisans using only traditional methods, the Fong-Khar Fort, or ‘Palace of the Rock' is a special tourist hotel that offers just 20 guest rooms, all of which are presented with all the richness and intricate beauty of their original incarnation. Additionally, the Residence offers its own restaurant, reception rooms, gardens and gift shop, all of which spearhead an ambitious programme, designed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which is dedicated towards making all the advantages of a socially-responsible tourism programme realizable in the remote mountains of Northern Pakistan.

The Shigar Fort is an excellent example of how expert restoration can help save an old building and utilise it for practical purposes.

                     View of Shigar Fort (hotel now) from an online source, 2014 

Altit and Baltit Forts, Hunza Valley, Northern Pakistan

(adapted and compiled from online sources)

Altit and Baltit forts are two ancient forts, belonging to the family of the Mirs (rulers) of Hunza, a remote but lovely valley and formerly a small princely state of Northern Pakistan.

Altit Fort is an ancient fort above Karimabad town in the Hunza valley. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state who carried the title Mir, although they moved to the somewhat younger Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. Altit Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan region.

The Altit Fort was in great disrepair, but has recently been restored jointly by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Historic Cities Support Programme and the Government of Norway. It is characterized by small rooms and low portals with exquisite wood carvings. Japan has contributed to the renovation of the surrounding old village. Altit Fort is a tourist site which has been open to the public since 2007, after its restoration.

The Baltit Fort is somewhat newer, dating to circa the 14th century, and the Mir family of Hunza lived here since that time, abandoning the older Altit Fort.

In the past, the survival of the feudal regime of Hunza was ensured by the impressive Baltit Fort, which overlooks Karimabad town. The foundations of the fort date back to 700 years ago, with rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Buddhist Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time.

The Mirs of Hunza abandoned the fort in 1945, and moved to a new palace down the hill. The fort started to decay which caused concern that it might possibly fall into ruin. Following a survey by the Royal Geographical Society of London a restoration programme was initiated and supported by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Historic Cities Support Programme. The programme was completed in 1996 and the fort is now a museum run by the Baltit Heritage Trust.


See also

http://www.hunzanagar.com/textpage.php?id=212

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altit_Fort

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltit_Fort

 

                           1. A view of Altit Fort, Hunza Valley (Wikipedia photo)

 

                         2. A view of Baltit Fort, Hunza Valley (Wikipedia photo)