Gilgit culture
By: Yashfa & Keran
Map
Introduction
Gilgit Baltistan is the most spectacular region of Pakistan in
terms of its geography and scenic beauty. Here world's three
mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Handukush
and the Himalayas - meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like
a paradise for mountaineers and trekkers.It borders the
territory of Azad Kashmir to the south, the province of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa to the west, Afghanistan to the north, the
Xinjiang autonomous region of China to the east and
History
• In 1948, the Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on the map of the world.
• The people of the region fought their own war against the Dogra Raj and won
their freedom .
• In 2009 Gilgit Baltistan became fifth province of Pakistan, not province but
provincial setup.
• Capital: Gilgit
• Districts are seven(7) Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza Nagar,
Diamer, Astore, Ganche.
• Largest City: Skardu
• Population: 1,800,000.
• Area: 72,496 km2, Density 25/km2(64/ sq mil)
Languages
• Official languages: Urdu and English
• Main languages:
- Balti (spoken in Baltistan)
- Shina (majority language, spoken in Gilgit and surrounding areas)
• Burushaski (spoken in Hunza, Nagar, and surrounding areas)-
• Other languages:
- Khowar/Chitrali
- Wakhi (spoken in upper Hunza)
- Domaaki (spoken by musician clans)
Religion
Climate
• The climate of Gilgit-Baltistan varies greatly due to surrounding
mountain ranges. The region can be divided into two zones:-
1. Eastern part: Moist and humid, influenced by the western Himalayas
2. Western part (Karakoram and Hindu Kush): Dry climate
• Temperature variations are also significant:-
-Towns like Gilgit and Chilas: Hot during the
day, cold at night in summer.
-Valleys like Astore, Khaplu, Yasin, Hunza,
and Nagar: Cold temperatures even in summer.
Arts and Traditions
1. Music
• Alghani: The people of Gilgit, Ghizer Yasin, Puniyal, and Gupis call this
rhythm as Alghani.
• Ajoli: During departure of bride and groom from house this rhythm is
used in different parts of Gilgit.
• Souse: A martial rhythm and it has a fast rhythm and
is used specially in sword dances.
• Dani: Dani is the name of a traditional
music used in Hunza which links to Tibet,
Baltistan and Laddakh.
Musical Instruments
Instruments commonly used in Gilgit Baltistan are, Dadang
(drum), Damal and Surnai while some other instruments like
Sitar, Gabi(flut) Rabab and duff represent the different areas.
2. Dance
The famous trio band music is played
in this region. On the rhythm of this loud
music, men love to dance in their typical way.
• Old Man Dance
This dance is performed by more than
one man wear some old style dresses
and wear local hat and dance.
• Sword Dance
This unique dance is performed by men taking one sword in right
and Shield in left. One to six participants as pair can dance.
Education
• Gilgit-Baltistan's education system has improved since 1947, with:-
-Literacy rate: 65.60% (2014)
-2 universities: Karakoram International University (KIU) and University of Baltistan
-27 colleges, including 8 girls' colleges and 17 boys' colleges
-Private sector contributes 90% of education infrastructure.
• However, challenges persist, including limited access to higher education, poor
internet connectivity, and limited seats in engineering and medical colleges.
Literature
• Nazir Ahmad Bulbul: He is a renowned Wakhi
language poet and educator from Gilgit-
Baltistan, Pakistan. He was born in Gulmit, a
village in the Gojal Tehsil of District Hunza.
• Jamshid Khan Dukhi (1956-2022): He was a
renowned poet from Gilgit-Baltistan, known as
the "local Habib Jalib". He was a master of local
languages and his poems celebrated the
region's rich cultural heritage and the resilience
of its people.
Economy
• The economy of Gilgit-Baltistan is driven by traditional trade routes
like the Silk Road, with modern trade knowledge gained through
partnerships with China.
• Key Sectors:
- Agriculture: Wheat, maize, barley, and fruits
- Tourism: Trekking and mountaineering
• Notable Developments:
- Gojal Hunza Dry Port
- China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Tourism
• Gilgit-Baltistan is the capital of tourism in Pakistan, attracting visitors
with its breathtaking landscape and rich cultural heritage. The region is
home to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, as well as
stunning lakes, glaciers, and valleys. Popular tourist destinations
include:
• - K2 Basecamp
• - Deosai
• - Naltar
• - Fairy Meadows
• - Bagrot Valley
• - Hushe Valley
Cultural Heritage Sites
• Alam Bridge • Baltit Fort: Baltit Fort is
inscriptions: Alam a fort in the Hunza Valley,
Bridge inscriptions refers near the town
to the archaeological of Karimabad, in
inscriptions on the rocks, the Gilgit-Baltistan region
near the Alam Bridge. of northern Pakistan.
• Altit Fort: It is an ancient
fort in the Altit town in • Queen Victoria Tower:
the Hunza valley in Gilgit-
Baltistan, Pakistan.
• Shigar Fort: • Skardu Fort:
Traditional Dress
• The traditional dress of Gilgit-Baltistan is a
key cultural aspect. Men wear shalwar
kameez and a traditional cap, while
women wear a shalwar kameez or a
gharara with a dupatta. These traditional
dress is made from locally sourced wool
and cotton, these garments are often
worn during festivals and ceremonies.
Cuisine/ Food
• Marzan
• Hrsapkhur
• Kiseer
• Drum fiti
• Prapo
• Rgearatee roti
• Namkeen tea
• Balay
Social Customs
• Family System: The • Marriage System: the
people of gilgit baltistan marriages are mostly
mostly lived in joint done within the
families which shows presence families.
their love and respect Mostly marriages are
towards each others. arranged. Divorce rate
is very low.
Marriage Customs
1. Mehndi: Colorful celebration with henna
designs, folk songs, and traditional dances.
2. Barat: Grand procession of the groom's family,
accompanied by music and traditional instruments.
3. Nikah: Islamic marital ceremony where the couple
signs a contract.
4. Rukhsati Emotional goodbye of the bride from her
family.
5. Walima: Grand feast hosted by the groom's family,
featuring traditional food.
Sports
• Hockey: • Polo
Top Visiting Places of Gilgit-
Baltistan
• Hunza Valley
• Skardu Valley
• Khaplu Valley
• Shiger Valley
• Gupis Valley
• Astore Valley
• Nagar Valley
