Summary of the lesson Peshawar (B.A Part II)

Peshawar

J.Spain had visited Peshawar many times. He describes the city beautifully. His description is as under:

1. Medicine Seller

J.Spain begins the description of Peshawar from chowk Yadgar. He comes across a person who was Hakim. He was selling medicines. He was praising his balm. He was saying that it was antidote against the snake bite. A crowd of people was standing around him.

 

2. Old Serais



Karavan Sarai Gor Khatri, Peshawar. Photo By Waheed Saleem

The writer began to walk about the streets and reached the old Serais. In the past the caravans of merchants came from Bokhara.  Sammar Kand, Herat, Kashghar and Meshhed and stayed here. Now, these serais no longer serve the purpose of hoteling. These have been changed into motor garages and workshops.

3. The mahabat khan mosque



Mahabat Khan Mosque Peshawar.

Mahabat Khan Mosque is one of the true Peshawaris favourite sights. It is hundreds of years old. One can reach the mosque through chow Yadgar. It has great importance in history. The minarets of the mosque are very high. It is very spacious and beautiful. The writer climbed a minaret to have a glimpse of the city. It is said that during the Sikh regime two Muslims were hanged every day from its high minarets.

4. Peshawar streets



Selling Dry fruits in Namak Mandi, Peshawar.

The business streets of Peshawar are highly specialized. They convey all the warmth of life. Different articles are sold I different streets. Each street deals in just one particular trade. The city is famous for a large number of products. Shoes, caps, carpets and hardware goods are a few of them. The shoes which are sold here are expensive as well as cheap. The writer bought a pair of shoes.

5. Tea stalls



Tea Stall in Peshawar

Tea stalls are another common feature of the city. The tea which is sold here if of different kind. Many peoples like strong black tea with milk and sugar mixed in it. Many shops serve Qahwa. It is a popular drink of all. It is prepared with great care. These stalls are scattered in every business street.

6. Peshawar cantonment

Peshawar cantonment is situated in the Sadar. It is modern both in style and character. It has broad streets. It has churches, hotels, parks, and shop of western type. Its large bungalows and comfortable hotels also add to its beauty. It has a bazar known as Sadar bazar.  It has a big museum. It contains painting and statues.

7. The University

The Peshawar University is situated near cantonment. It is the most important achievement of Peshawar throughout its history. In 1951, it was a single building which was known as Islamia College, it expanded rapidly and now it is one of the largest universities of the Europe, America and Asia. The writer came here in 1952. He met Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan, the Chief Minister of NWFP and chancellor of the university. Khan Abdul Qayyum khan asked him what help could American Embassy give. The writer did not reply and told that he would inform him shortly.