historical Chitral

AoA

Chitral Fort

Situated on the main Crossroad to central Asia, Chitral has a long and fascinating history. in fact, it is this strategic location that compelled invaders to capture it before any other area in the region. The recorded history of Chitral begins with the Tibetans invading Yasin in early 8th century AD, followed by the Chinese I 750 AD and the Buddhists in 900 AD. Later, the Kalash also ruled Chitral for decades.

Chitral Fort

In the 14th century, Chitral became a unified independent kingdom under the rule of Shah Nasir Rais. In 1570, the Rais dynasty was replaced by the Katoor Dynasty. The famous Mehtar of Chitral Aman-ul-Mulk ruled from 1857 to 1892. In 1895, the siege of Chitral Fort took place and lasted a month, after which Chitral remained an independent state under British rule. Finally, in 1969 it was merged into Pakistan. 

Ayun valley

Today, Chitral hosts ancient Chitrali Tribes as well as nomads who were invited by the Mehtars to settled in the state. Chitral is also home to the ancient pagan tribe of the Kalash who are now confined to the three valleys of Bamburate, Rumbur and Birir. the original of Chitral covered a greater area, with its border reaching as far as Badakhshan and Bashgal in the north-west and Kunar Valley in the south (these areas are now part of Afghanistan). In addition, this extended to Sherqilla on its north-eastern front and which lies in Gilgit today.