Discovering Peshawar; The City of Flowers

There is a big world out there and now that it has become a global village, more and more people are getting familiar with fascinating cultures and places around the world. Many places, that were not known to most of the people before, are becoming the favourable tourist destinations; hence resulting in the boom of tourism business. Among other countries, Pakistan is also claiming its share of foreign tourists in recent years. Almost all major cities in Pakistan are hosting large number of travelers and the northern areas attract a big chunk of tourists, both local and international. Being a resident of Peshawar, I intend to create a general understanding about the city and its culture among potential tourists despite the fact that it is almost impossible considering the status of Peshawar being a tourist destination.

Islamia College Peshawar

Peshawar lies to the west of the capital city of Islamabad. This historic city is the oldest living city in South Asia. Once the cultural hub of Indus civilization, Peshawar was known to the ancient people as Purushapura, which is the Sanskrit word for The city of Men. The reason is not known as to why the city was given this name but it definitely was a really important city back then. It has worked as a bridge between central Asia and South Asia. The trade caravans of the Silk Road used to cross the the rough passes of Hindukush to enter into Peshawar and would then leave for the Indian Subcontinent. Go a little further into the history of Peshawar and one can see many invaders and conquerors from Alexander and Mughals to Sikhs and the British. It is this very factor that contributed to the strategic importance of this very old city.

Peshawar in 1991

Despite seeing many ups and downs, Peshawar still blossoms as the cultural capital of Pashtuns. It is here that many cultural groups mix with each one bringing the best to this city. Be it food, attire or history, Peshawar has all of these. The old city has some wonderful architecture. Some houses are a few hundred years old and are still in its original form. Life is always in a rush in the old city; kids going to schools, women buying groceries, and waiters running down the alley ways rushing naan and green tea to nearby customers is always a pleasant sight. On a walking distance from the middle of the old city, there is the famous namak mandi market; which could be easily called the heaven for meat lovers. Beware! If you are a meat lover, you might find scores of meat cooked with different recipes with each having a different but equally great taste. So; better eat at your own risk :)

Namak Mandi Market

One other witness to the rich history and culture of Peshawar is the Museum in Peshawar. It is a beautifully built building constructed by the British and was formerly known as Victoria Hall. It could be ranked, without any doubt, as one of the important ones in terms of Bhuddist history. It was this region which emerged as the birthplace of Bhuddist civilization. One can see dozens of Buddha statues and other impressive sculptures in the hallways of Peshawar Museum; most of which are dated back to early 1st and 2nd century AD when Peshawar was home to Gandhara civilization. The Museum is a good attraction for people who want to have a glimpse of history, and particularly of the Bhuddist religion and Gandhara civilization. All of the antiques are taken good care of by the Department of Archeology and Museums and are open to see for everyone.

A young visitor looking at Bhudda statue at Peshawar Museum

Despite witnessing the wave of terrorism and militancy, Peshawar has been reclaiming, for the last five to six years, its status of one of the most lively cities in Pakistan. The bazaars are once again filled with people eating and shopping, and the vendors earning their livelihood in the busy markets. The tourist spots and restaurants receive a fair share of people and wedding ceremonies are crowdie as always with bustling music and dances. For the residents of this different but lovely city, it is indeed a good sight to see their city bustling again and for the tourists to explore it like never before.

Peshawar has unlimited hospitality and welcoming people in abundance for both local and foreign tourists. You will always feel welcomed. I hope this piece will help travelers to understand Peshawar and have an idea of what to expect while they are in the city. Welcome to Peshawar!