Altit Fort
The Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is tucked away among the precipitous peaks of the Karakoram Mountains in northern Pakistan. Its natural splendor and position on the Central Asian Silk Road have attracted travelers, merchants, and trekkers for centuries.
Beyond its jagged peaks, glaciers, apricot farms, and turquoise lakes, the Hunza is also rich in cultural heritage. Such is the case with Altit Fort.
The People of the Hunza
The origins of the Burusho people in the Hunza realm remain a mystery. Interestingly, the local language has no known links to any other language. So, where did they come from?
According to legend, Altit village was once known as Hunukushal, which means “village of Huns.” Some claim to be descendants of Huns who arrived in the first century from the Huang-Ho valley in China. Others believe themselves to be descendants of Alexander the Great's Greek soldiers.
Over time, the name of the village changed to Broshal, which means “village of Burushaski speakers.” The people of the village used to follow Buddhism and Hinduism until they were introduced to Islam in the 15th century. In the 1830s, many of its inhabitants embraced the Ismaili sect of Islam.
The Tower and the Fort
The hereditary rulers of the Hunza state are titled Mir. One of them built the Shikari Tower (the first part of the Fort) 1100 years ago. Home to the Royals, the Tower monitored and defended caravans traveling on the Silk Road.
In the 16th century, the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought craftsmen to build Altit Fort and nearby Baltit Fort. Subsequently, the Mir and his family moved to Baltit Fort.
Located 1000 feet above the Hunza valley, Altit Fort has a commanding view of the area. The Fort survived centuries of enemy attacks and earthquakes. The builders truly deserve the term craftsmen. The Fort is so well built that it can survive an 8.5 magnitude earthquake!
It wasn’t until 1972 that Hunza transitioned from being a princely state to becoming formally part of Pakistan. Altit Fort is now a popular tourist destination after its restoration by the Aga Khan Foundation in 1990. The museum provides significant insights into the lives of the Mirs and the Royals that lived there.
The Shot
Structures normally don’t interest me. Landscape is my passion. But occasionally, something manmade captivates me.
We drove to a ridge overlooking the Fort last November 11th. Below us, the wonderous Altit Fort dominated the countryside. Wood smoke from thousands of breakfast cooking fires shrouded it in mysterious light.
I must thank photographer Atif Saeed and guide Muqeem Baig for sharing the Hunza with us. While the scenery was gorgeous, their friendship made it a special experience.
