Baltit Fort

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Baltit Fort or Balti Fort is an ancient fort in the Hunza valley in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. In former times survival of the feudal regimes of Hunza was ensured by the impressive Baltit fort, that sit on top of Karimabad. The foundations of the fort are said to date back around 700 years, but there have been rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the Thum married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry. The architectural style is a clear indication of Tibetan influence in Baltistan at the time.

The Mirs of Hunza abandoned the fort in 1945, and moved to a new palace down the hill. The fort started to decay and there was concern that it might possibly fall into ruin. Following a survey by the Royal Geographic Society of London, a restoration programme was initiated and supported by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Historic Cities Support Programme. The programme was completed in 1996 and the fort is now a museum run by the Baltit Heritage Trust.

[edit] Awards and recognition

• 2005 Time Magazine Asia, Best of Asia Award^[1]

• 2004 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Conservation - Award of Excellence (see profile)^[2]

• 2000 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards: Global Winner^[3][4]

[edit] References

1. ^ Best of Asia: Baltit Fort Hunza Valley, Pakistan - Time Asia, June 27, 2005. Retrieved on December 11, 2006.
2. ^ Baltit Fort Awarded Top Prize in the UNESCO 2004 Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards - UNESCO Bangkok, September 1, 2004 (PDF). Retrieved on December 11, 2006.
3. ^ BA Tourism for Tomorrow Previous Winners (PDF). Retrieved on December 11, 2006.
4. ^ Restoration of Landmark Buildings in Mountainous Northern Pakistan - AKDN. Retrieved on December 11, 2006.

[edit] See also

• Altit Fort
• Karimabad (Hunza)
• Hunza

Coordinates: 36°19′32″N, 74°40′11″E