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This is one of the
old human settlements in Hunza valley. The tightly knit cluster of
houses is a significant example of traditional mountain settlement
forms, displaying age-old approach to planning and spatial
organization on the basis of tribal domains, climatic responses and
topographical considerations. The Fort is located at the highest
point, with the four fortified tightly knit group of settlements
placed at the base. The water reservoir is located outside the
fortified settlement. As all houses were built from stone masonry
and mud plaster, they bear a striking resemblance to the surrounding
terraced fields.
The settlement lost
its importance when the capital shifted to Karimabad. Further after
the abolition of Hunza state, the construction of KKH exposed the
village to rapid socio-economic changes. With the increase in the
population and changes in the lifestyles majority of the families
have constructed new houses outside this settlement. With the
commercialization unplanned constructions of shops and houses around
further deteriorated the wild beauty of the settlement. Majority of
the old houses inside the settlement were loosing their identity and
people were constructing cemented houses. The old settlement and the
surroundings embody the time-honored architectural style and
building techniques, as well as cultural activities including;
festivals, folklores and the life style of its four major clans, the
HussainKuts, Shushoroting, KhunuKuts and HakaluKuts.
In order to preserve
this age old heritage, Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCSP) in
close collaboration in close collaboration of Altit Town Management
Society started a revival programme. For this purpose with the
financial assistance of Japan under Japanese GGP (Grant Assistance
for Grassroots Human Security Projects formerly known as Grassroots
Assistance (GRA) Programme) provided sanitation, pavement of streets
and pathways, underground electricity, clean drinking water and
rehabilitation of its water reservoir and common place (Jataq). The
settlement has been declared a conservation area where concrete
blocks construction is not allowed.
Jataq (Common
Place for gathering)
Jataq is the common
public place just at entrance of the old settlement historically
been a place of great cultural significance. The Altit settlement is
placed between it and the Fort. The whole settlement including
Jataq is clearly visible from the balcony of the fort. The visual
relationship of the fort’s balcony with the Jataq is a testimony of
the political structure, at a time when the Raja was all-powerful
and had little contact with the citizenry.
There are four
Varandahs around some open spaces. The verandahs provided seating
for the king and the elders of the village. It has provided space
for events, social gatherings, religious and traditional festivals.
AKCSP with the financial support of Japan revived this common place
for public use.
Old Water Reservoir
A water reservoir is
located outside the Himaltar opening into the Jataq. The old
magnificent willow and Chinar trees around the water reservoir
further magnifies the scenic beauty of the pond.
Ancient Walnut Tree
It is said that this
walnut tree is the first tree planted in Altit by a female called
Bittan. This shades the open space and has acquired historic
significance.
Shahthum Shawarun
Hunza become an
independent state during early fifteenth century before that it was
under the central government of Gilgit. During that time the Raja of
Gilgit was living in Altit village during some part of the season.
The monuments of these princes in Altit are the old Altit Polo
Ground and the Chinar tree at the left side of Polo ground. In
reference to the Prince Shahthum the Altit polo Ground was called
Shahthum Shawarun. This was the oldest polo ground in Hunza
valley. Before the construction of Baltit Shawarn it was
regularly used for polo by the Mirs.
Unfortunately this historical polo
ground has lost its identity in waves of the modern development. Due
to unavailability of land for the buildings of schools this
historical polo ground was sacrificed. Recently on the remaining
lands a new play ground is under construction.
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