IN-PERSON ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

The forts of the Potohar Plateau are part of the most important but least explored fortified landscape in South Asia. These forts, located at the junction of Central Asia, Kashmir (Pakistan and India), and the Punjab plains (Pakistan), served as an integrated station within a larger political, cultural, and strategic frontier. This research focuses on the historical development, architectural multiplicity, and cultural significance of the chosen Potohar forts with a specific focus on the conduction of multi-layered heritage sites through multiple interventions, including pre-Islamic, Islamic, Mughal, Sikh, and colonial ones. With a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach, the research combines historical inquiry and cultural interpretation paired with architectural and spatial analysis. Most of the primary data were produced in the field by conducting on-site surveys, photographic records, mapping, and architectural observations, and archival documents, archaeological reports, gazetteers and historical texts added context to the primary data. Oral histories and local tales were also referenced to inform intangible heritage plans, such as the existence of Sufi saints’ shrines in various forts, which raises multifaceted issues of sacred territory, community possession, and disputed land utilisation. The article uses case studies of Rohtas, Pharwala and Rawat forts to show how the typology of forts, the methods of their construction, defensive organisation, and adaptation to the environment can be understood as a local uniqueness of the region and South Asian military culture, in general. The paper also proposes that Potohar forts should be re-framed as an integrated military-cultural landscape, rather than as monuments. This study brings together architectural, historical, and cultural lenses to the discourse on the region and worldwide. It draws attention to burning issues of conservation, documentation, and participatory heritage management in frontier Pakistan.