City Quetta Balochistan, Pakistan
A famous and historical city located in the province Balochistan of Pakistan, very rich in its culture and tradition called Quetta formerly Kohatta. Quetta is famous for its fruits and food, and the old name of Quetta was Shalkot and also Kohatta.
Word Kohatta is derived from the Pashto language word which means "strong fort". Quetta is the safest city to visit in the province of Balochistan as well as the capital city of the province.
The city is aptly named because it is surrounded on all sides by arid and rugged mountains. The city represents a safe, high-walled city and Quetta is one of the highest elevation cities in Pakistan.
History of Quetta City
If one looks at the history of the city of Quetta, one finds clear evidence of its settlement from the eleventh century AD. When a Pashtun tribe lived and ruled in this city and then Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni invaded South Asia and occupied it.
And Emperor Humayun also stayed here for a few days since 1543, he left his son Akbar and moved to Iran himself. In 1709 AD, the area was occupied by an Afghan family called the Houtak.
In 1747 Ahmad Shah Durrani took control of it. In1828 the Europeans visited here for the first time and at that time it was surrounded by a mud wall. And there were about four hundred mud houses.
In 1876 it was occupied by the British and they annexed this city to British India and turned it into a military base.
Location of Quetta City
The city of Quetta is located at an altitude of 1691 meters or five thousand forty feet above sea level. The city is located in northern Balochistan near the Afghan border. The city is a trade and communication hub between the two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Connectivity
Quetta is located on the west coast of Pakistan you can go to Quetta easily as roads are connected to other cities in the country by rail and airport with an elevation of 5266 feet, it is the second-highest airport in Pakistan.
Quetta Railway Station, built-in 1890 during British rule. It is one of the highest railway stations in Pakistan. Its height is 5688 feet above sea level. This railway track connects Quetta with Peshawar and Karachi via Sibbi, Jacobabad with Lahore in Punjab.
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Population & Area of Quetta
The whole area of Quetta city is about 178 square kilometers. According to statistics of 2020, the population of Quetta is eleven lacs which was ten lacs seventy thousand in 2019 which means there is an increase of 2.8 percent.
According to a survey, the majority of the population is of Pashtun descent. And second is the Baloch family. In addition to these families, there are a large number of Bravi Hazaravi refugees and people from other parts of the country.
The largest religion is Islam, and according to the BBC, between five and six lacs Shia Muslims live in and around Quetta.
Devastating Earthquake in Quetta
There was also a very heartbreaking earthquake encounter since May 31, 1935, almost the entire city was reduced to rubble in the quake more than 90 percent of the city buildings were collapsed. And about forty thousand people died.
The quake was one of four devastating quakes in South Asia.
Facts, Which Quetta is Famous for
There are several facts, and reasons which make Quetta very famous some of these are,
- Balochi Chappal
- Fruits
- Wildlife
- Food
- Educational Institutes
- Sports and Activities
- Weather and Atmosphere
- Markets and Bazaar
- Resorts and Tourism
- Ancient Buildings / Places
Balochi Chappal
Balochi Chappal has a special place in the suiting or garments in Quetta city which is also called a special gift here.
This slipper is similar to the famous Peshawari slipper or Chappal. And the locals love to wear this Chappal not only in daily life as well as of the festive days.
Fruits
The very special thing in Quetta is its food and fruits. It is known as the city of fruits in Pakistan. Among the famous fruits of this city are grapes, pomegranates, apples, and cherries.
These fruits are supplied from this city to all over Pakistan, which is very popular all over Pakistan because of their taste.
Wildlife
Pakistan's national bird, the Chakor (Alectoris chukar), is at the forefront of Quetta's wildlife. This bird is also a local bird, people all over the country like to keep it in their homes for beauty.
Among other birds, partridges and quails are more popular. Leopards, wolves, and Pakistan's national animal, the markhor, are also found in the area.
It is said that Markhor loves to eat snakes in his diet. Some people also believe that snakes do not dare to enter the house if the markhor fur is kept in the house. These are wildlife that Quetta is famous for.
Food
Quetta city is very famous all over the world and has special status due to its unique and delicious food which includes Sijji, Khadda Kabab, Tikka Kabab, and Tandoori Roti.
Not only this, Pulaoo with lamb's meat and rice, and chicken Karahi, it is second to none in its taste. These are the food that Quetta is famous for and are specialties of Quetta city.
Educational Institutes
The University of Balochistan, Balochistan University of Information and Technology Islamia High School, Bolan Medical College, and Balochistan Agriculture College are among the top educational institutions in Quetta.
Sports and Activities
The people of Quetta love to play cricket and football. Quetta includes Muslim FC, Hazara Green Football, World Cup Football, and Bazigar Football Club. Quetta Gladiators is an important team of the Pakistan Super League in terms of cricket.
Apart from these Hockey and Boxing counted among the popular sports of the city. Shaheed Nowruz Stadium is the largest stadium in the city. Ayub National Stadium is used for football and cricket matches.
Weather and Atmosphere
When it comes to the weather in Quetta, this is an example in itself. The weather here is pleasant and enjoyable for almost seven months of the year. In summer, the temperature is usually between 31 and 34 degrees Celsius, and sometimes the temperature goes above forty degrees Celsius.
In winter, the average temperature in Quetta is one to three degrees Celsius. It also snows here in the winter, which offers its own enjoyable and scenic view. If you are a snowfall and tourism lover to seeing this city can provide you with many beautiful and everlasting moments.
Markets and Bazaar
Popular bazaars in Quetta include Liaquat Bazaar and Kandari Bazaar. This is a place where you can find everything of your choosing.
Resorts and Tourism
When it comes to Quetta's famous resorts, Lake Hanna comes first. The lake is an example of its natural beauty, to its ease, the forests of Mount Zargun and this chain extends to Ziarat. Boating competitions are held in Lake Hanna in Quetta.
People come from far and wide to see the view of this lake. Hazar Ganji Chiltan Park, located 70 km from Quetta city, is a popular recreational destination due to its beauty and charm. Here you will find a glimpse of the special gifts of nature.
Ancient Buildings / Places
Archaeological Museum located in Quetta city no need to praise. There was a museum named McMohn in the British time of rule. Which was unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake in 1935.
So the wonders and antiquities that followed were sent to Delhi, Kolkata, and so on. The present museum was established in 1972. The museum features dinosaur walking structures that have been discovered in the Balochistan region.
Also included are precious stones and meteors. Apart from these, there are many places in Quetta that can enrich you with a lot of fun.
City Quetta Today
After the devastating 1935 earthquake, little attention was paid to the city. But the city soon regained its lost ground in South Asia. Even today, the city is known as a special place due to its historical and current significance.
