Gojal, also known as Upper Hunza, is an area north of Gilgit in the far north of Pakistan near the Chinese and Afghan borders. It is the largesttehsil of the Northern Areas.
Gojal is a series of small and large valleys sharing borders with Hunza in the south, China in the north and east, and Afghanistan in the north-west. Shishkat is the first village of Gojal. Except for the Shimshal, Misgar and Chipursan valleys, all the villages of Gojal can be seen from the Karakorum Highway (KKH), which crosses Gojal, entering China at the Khunjerab Pass.
The population of Gojal is about 20,000. The majority speak the Wakhi language, while the Burushaski and Domaaki languages are also spoken in some villages. The people belong to the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam.
Population
Immigrants to Gojal originated from the Wakhan in Afghanistan, parts of China (like Ruskum), Tashkurgan and the Hunza valley.
Historically the people were shepherds and/or small-scale farmers. Over time, service industries have taken the lead and now most of the people are employed in government and non-governmental organizations. A significant number of the locals are also engaged in trade.
Literacy rates are very high throughout the region. The BBC reported thatPassu, a village on the KKH, had one hundred per cent literacy rate in 1998[citation needed]. Residents of remote valleys like Chipursan (bordering Wakhan, Afghanistan) and Shimshal (bordering China) have schools.
History
The different valleys and villages of Gojal were settled at different times by people from different surrounding regions. In the opinion of most researchers[citation needed], Kirghiz nomads initially used the areas in upper Gojal as winter pastures. It is said[by whom?] that later on whenWakhies migrated from Wakhan to this region, the Kirghiz nomads left. It is very difficult to determine when the Wakhies settled in Gojal. However, it is narrated[by whom?] that the earlier Wakhi migrated from Wakhan and settled in the Yishkuk (Chipursun) valley and later theBoiber areas. It is also narrated[by whom?] that when Hunza was under the Central Government of Gilgit the Ishkook settlement was very wealthy and regularly paying tax in terms of cattle and other dairy products to the Raja of Gilgit. As Hunza emerged as an independent stateduring the early 15th century so it can be inferred that different valleys in upper Gojal were inhabited by the Wakhi speaking migrants even before emergence of the Hunza state. Later, the oral history holds, a catastrophic flood destroyed the Ishkook settlement during 18th century.
Settlement of Passu
Passu was first inhabited by "Quli" from [Wakhan]. According to local elders, the old Passu was once home to some 300 households. Due to Shimshal's flood and continuous erosion from river side the old Passu settlement was destroyed, forcing the population to leave and to migrate back to their places of origin in central Asia. Later, Passu was resettled by a man named Quli, who is today generally recognized as the ancestor of the majority of Passu’s population. Due to this reference the people of Passu is still called Quli-kuts/kutor. People of Quli-kuts (tribe) origin, also inhabit Karimabad, Murtazaabad and many other villages of central Hunza. The Quli-kuts in central Hunza later adopted the Burushu way of life and now speak Burushaski language.
According to Archeologists, Human’s era passes generation to generation. Passu village is devastated four times in the past. Its first era of human generation is included 3000bc to 5000bc. there you can see many arts of ibex and zebra in different rocks. It shows that people are started to live here so early.After a few decades this village had destroyed by flood, sliding and erodes of rivers. That’s why this village had been empty for a long time. Its second era was pretty historical coz Chinese people lived here, who followed Buddha. Buddha religion came through Gandahara, Swat, Gilgit, Passu and reached China . Its great memory is at karga Gilgit and khuram Abad Passu. Its third era is called Islamic coz there is QURANI AYAT written on the mountain. Islam came here in 9th century through Arabs soldiers when Buddha left. Its fourth era also called Islamic, which had been started from 18th century at the time there were 315 families. During sliding the river was blocked and again this village was destroyed by natural disaster. This time only few families were safe. Later on, again this village was destroyed by natural disaster in 1964. Most of the families were migrated to chapurson and Khyber. Now seven families are recently living which are Magvi Dinali, Sakhi, Alvi , Quba, and Hadab, the population is around 1000.
Settlement of Ghulkin
There is no accurate historical record of the origin of the village, though it is estimated to be around 600 years old. According to local folklore, there were settlements here while the lake was still in existence, this area being used as pastureland in summer. The name is derived from two words of the local Wakhi dialect, 'Ghulk', meaning 'well' and 'kin', meaning 'whose'. Being an area of low rainfall, the most vital requirement is water for irrigation, livestock, drinking and domestic use. Khawaja Ahmed, and Ismaili Muslim who came here with the Mir of Hunza, asked him for land. After the Mir agreed, Khawaja Ahmed mobilised the people of the area to construct a water-channel to irrigate the land. This made cultivation possible and the Ismaili settlement flourished. Now small scale health and educational institutions, electricity and water-sully facilities are available in the village. Through the involvement of capacity-building NGOs, there is also a handicraft production centre and opportunities for other vocational training. The Jammatkhana, the central religious institution for all Ismaili Muslims, holds a strong position in the community. Apart from its religious functions, it provides a central location for community meetings, festivals, celebrations, resolution of disputes and much more. In Upper Hunza, winters are long and can become bitterly cold. Snowfall brings with it the Himalayian ibex, descending in search for grass breaking through the covering snow. Summers are hot in the north, though more pleasant than the harsh temperatures in summer are around 30 degrees Celsius. In winter the temperature remains below freezing point, further dropping at night
Most recent settlers
The last settlements in Gojal occurred during the reign of Mir Nazim Khan (1892-1931). During this period The barren lands in Shishket was settled with Burushu from Central Hunza in 1903. Shishket is thus also called as Nazimabad I. During same period the barren lands in Upper Sost was also inhibited by the people from Central Hunza which is called Nazimabad II. Raminj was also settled down during his reign.
Geography
Geographically Gojal is located between 70 latitude and 61 and is spread over an area of 8,500 km² of land, at an elevation ranging from 2,340m to 4,877m, above the sea level.
Gojal is a mountainous region forming the western part of the Karakoram and Eastern Pamir mountain range. This area also hosts the 56 km long Batura glacier the fourth longest of Pakistan (after Siachin, Hispar and Biafo).
The region is home to lofty ice capped peaks, roaring rivers, lush green pastures and long glaciers.
Villages
Main villages include: Shishket (now Nazeemabad), Gulmit, Ghulkin, Hussaini(older names Sisoni/Ghusani), Borith, Passu, Shimshal,Khyber, Ghalapan, Morkhoon, Jamalabad, Gircha, Sartiz, Sost, Khudaabad, Misgar, Yarzerech, Raminj, Kirmin, Reshit Khill, Shersabz, Ispenj, Shitmerg and Zoodkhoon.
Language and education
Wakhi and Burushaski are the languages of Gojal. The Wakhi language has come from Wakhan Pamir, and Burshaski is the language of Hunza. 80% of the population speak Wakhi, and 20% speak Burushaski. The Wakhi language is written in Roman script, and Burushaki is written in Arabic. Education literacy rate is very high in every village of Gojal, for both males and females. It is the great achievement of Aga Khan Education Service who has played the main role in promoting the standard education in the region.
Administration
Gulmit, the winter-capital of the then Hunza state until 1974, is the main town (Tehsil Head Quarters) and seat of government, while Sost is the border check-post and gateway for Pakistan-China overland trade. The entire region is governed by Pakistani bureaucrats, sitting inGilgit. Law and order is supported by two police stations and a magistrate.
Tourist Sites
Passu Valley
Passu is famous because it is home of the Batura Glacier and Passu Glacier. Adding more to the beauty of Passu, standing at the Northern end of the village, is Mount Tupopdon. Inspired by its unique structural attributes tourists have promoted the peak by giving it new names. Some call it "Passu Cones" and others "Passu Cathedral". Mount Tupopdon is the most photographed peak of the region. It is a village of nine Colors Mountains surrounding in its unique images. It has a unique place on the World map. With a rich history and deep rooted culture.
Fascinating land with an amazing diversity of places, people and customs, Passu is the mixing bowl of ancient civilization and dream of nature lovers, is well known about its extraordinary contrast of landscapes of the world. Passu is one of the most beautiful village of Pakistan . From times, immemorial the village has been promising Mountainous resort. Situated in the spectacular karakoram Mountains on the old silk route 150 km from Gilgit in the west banks of Hunza River and border on China . It has a unique place on the World map. With a rich history and deep rooted culture .It invites to its breath taking surrounding many adventurers, eco-tourist, historians and nature lovers. This famous village, its towering peaks ever flowing streams its fascinating heritage and above all its hospitable People make it a place worth visiting. Passu is considered the worlds heights landmass, where there is nothing below 2500 matters ,Passu is surrounded by some of the world most famous peaks, glaciers and lakes, such as Passu peak 7284, Shisper peak 7611, Batura, 7785, and the most remarkable is Passu cathedral peak 6500, in the shadow of lofty mountains are the Passu glacier with white skin and Batura glacier with both at the length of 56 km, which is the fifth largest glacier of the world.
Shimshal Valley ŠIMŠAL DIYOR
Disconnectivity from the modern world, until very recently, did not stop tourists. Every year thousands of mountain lovers visit Shimshal valley and see Mother Nature, exhibiting its colors, in a blend of Pamirian and Karakurumian aura. Shimshal, at one end, borders with thePeople's Republic of China and, on the other, is in close proximity of Kashmir (separated by Baltistan region). The Pamir pastures, lakes, Distgilsar Peak and other mystic peaks surround Shimshal valley, making it a potential dream treat for tourists from around the globe.
Chipursan Valley
Chipursan valley is a network of small and large villages close to the border of Afghanistan and parts of China. Historians say that this was the earliest human settlement of the entire region. Legends testify these claim but the valley remains a mystry for researchers and nature lovers. Chipursan is home to the Irshad Pass that connects Gojal Valley with Afghanistan. Also located in the vicinity of Chipursan Valley are Ishkoman, Buroghil and Yasin valleys.
Misgar Valley
Misgar valley is a narrow human settlement located very close to the Chinese border, almost parallel to Chipursan. Misgar is home to the Qalamdarchi Fort Fort of the Naked Saint. This "fort" was created by the British rulers of Hunza Valley to keep an eye on the movement of Soviet troops and spies in the region. Kilik and Mintika Passes adorn were used by traders, troops, travellers and, maybe, spies in the past. This fort is in a dilapidated condition. Parts of the fort are being used by Jawans of Pakistan Army.
very Nice
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