In the past several small independent states formed part of
the history of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Among them Hunza and Nager were
traditional rival states, situated on opposite sides of the Hunza river. The
rulers of these two states, built various strongholds to consolidate their
power. According to historical sources, the Hunza rulers initially resided in
nearby Altit Fort, but after a conflict between the two sons of the ruler
Sultan, Shah Abbas (Shάboos) and Ali Khan (Aliqhάn), Shaboos moved to Baltit
Fort, making it the capital seat of Hunza. The power struggle between the two
brothers eventually resulted in the death of younger one, and so Baltit Fort
became the prime seat of power in the Hunza state.
Baltit Fort or Balti Fort is an ancient fort in the Hunza
valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Founded in the 1st CE, it has been on the
UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list since 2004.
The foundations of
the fort date back to 700 years ago, with rebuilds and alterations over the
centuries. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from
Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part
of her dowry.
The Mirs (emperors) of Hunza abandoned the fort in 1945, and moved to a
new palace down the hill. The fort started to decay which caused concern that
it might possibly fall into ruin. Following a survey by the Royal Geographical
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.
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