| Altit Fort | |
|---|---|
 Main tower of Altit Fort | |
 Interactive map of Altit Fort | |
| Location | Altit,Gilgit-Baltistan,Pakistan |
| Built | 11th century |
| Restored | 2007 |
Altit Fort (Urdu:قلعہ التیت) is an ancient fort in theAltit town in theHunza valley inGilgit Baltistan,Pakistan. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of theHunza state who carried the title of 'Mir', although they moved to the somewhat youngerBaltit fort nearby three centuries later.[1] Altit Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old,[2][3] which makes it the oldest monument in Gilgit–Baltistan. The fort has received theUNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.
The word 'Altit' means 'this side down' and the area around the fort is inhabited byBurusho people. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to build two forts (Altit and Baltit forts). The local language,Burushaski, is alanguage isolate which has no demonstrated link to any other known language. There are several theories about their origin but local indigenous origin holds much value among the people. The people of the fort are said to be descendants of the White Huns who arrived in 47 A.D, while the local people believe themselves descendants ofAlexander the Great'sGreek soldiers.[4] According to the legend the first name for Altit village was Hunukushal, meaningthe village of Huns.[4] The Huns came from the Huang-Ho valley in China. The name later changed to Broshal, translated asa village of Bruchiski speakers. They were spirit worshipers as Shamanism was in practice and also followed Buddhism and Hinduism. In the 15th centuryIslam was introduced. Around 1830 in turn many converted toIsmailism.
The fort remained under the management of the locals following the Mirs relocation to the nearbyBaltit Fort. The fort remained in poor conditions until the early 2000s when it was restored by theAga Khan Trust for Culture and the Government of Norway. It is characterized by small rooms and low portals with exquisite wood carvings. Altit Fort is a tourist site which has been open to the public since 2007.[4]
Following the completion of the restoration process in 2010, Altit Fort was recognised with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction in 2011[5]
Altit Fort has become an important source of revenue for the local economy. As of April 2025, visitors from down country and foreigners are charged 1,600 rupees per person for a tour of the Fort, which includes a local guide. Local residents are charged 200 rupees per person.
The fort is complemented by a garden that features the Kha Basi Café. The Fort employs up to 15 people and contribute significantly to the local economy as it attracts tourists from all over the world.
According to the local elders white Huns from the soldier of Alexander started human settlement in Altit when they were on way back from China. It is said that these were the ancestors of the Khanu Kuts tribe of Altit. Presently, majority of households of this tribe are living within the old cluster settlement known as Burum Khan. The Khunu kuts still has the status of Saath Guy; the privilege of starting any activity/event/work/festival within the village. On the other hand, people from Hussain kuts also claim to be the earlier settler in Altit. They claim that Hussain is modified from Hun. It is said that for centuries Hussain kuts remained as a ruling and strong tribe within the village. It is narrated that this tribe was strong and thus creating troubles for the Raja of Gilgit. Therefore, the Raja with the help of other tribes ordered mass killing of the people of this tribe.
The origin of different tribes and sub-tribes reveals that people from different regions migrated to Altit and permanently settled down. Presently, the people of Altit belong to one of these four major tribes. These tribes are divided into Gutti. The origin of the sub-tribes may also be different from the major one.
It is said that the ancestor of this tribe migrated from Tibet or Ladakh. The local people also relate their arrival with the invasion of Kisar on Altit. The Husain Kuts is divided into below sub-tribes or Gutti:
According to the elders of this tribe the ancestors of different Gutti migrated from Tajikistan, Zabak, Diamer and Thakar Khan, Hopper, Nagar. Sub-tribes include:
According to the elders of the tribe, the ancestor of this tribe migrated from Baltistan and was belonging to the royal family. Later on some other people migrated from Shigar and Nagar and joined this tribe. The tribe is subdivided into below Gutti:
According to the elders of the tribe the ancestor of this tribe migrated to Altit from Rome. According to oral traditions some people from Rome migrated to Bakhtar in Eastern Iran where they ruled for about 3–4 years. After that they had a battle with the troops of central government and thus left the area and entered in Afghanistan and to Hidukush region. After many years they reached to the present day Altit and settled there.In this tribe the men's are more stronger then other tribe in every thing . However, different Gutti relate their origins from different areas. Presently, the tribe has below main Gutti:
36°18′54″N74°40′55″E / 36.315°N 74.6819°E /36.315; 74.6819
