

BALAHISAR
The name Balahisar is of Persian origin and most likely given by Afghan Ruler Taimur Shah Durrani (1773 - 1793). The origin of the fort is not clear, but it is as old as the city itself, 2000 to 2500 years. The main entrance faces the old route to India. A Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, visited Peshawar in 630 AD, and he has described it as a royal residence of the city. According to Dr Dani, a channel of the old Bara River surrounded it once. Historically Peshawar has always been a city of strategic importance, frequently mentioned as the seat of Ghandhara civilization. Subuktagin captured Peshawar in 988 AD, Mahmud of Ghazni in 1001 AD, Ghori in 1179 AD, and then came Babar in the 15 century and established the Mughal empire. Afghan King Sher Shah Suri destroyed the fort after the overthrow of Babar's son Humayun. Upon his return Humayun rebuilt the fort.Ahmed Shah Durrani of Afghanistan finally took it from the Mughals and made it a residential palace. His son Taimur made Peshawar his winter capital. After his death in 1793, Shah Zaman lost it to the Sikhs in 1834, who destroyed it. Then Sher Singh on orders from his father Ranjeet Singh, rebuilt the fort. An inscription from the Sikh period still survives on a gate. The British annexed Punjab in 1849 after defeating Ranjeet Singh's son, and extended their rule to Peshawar. At the time Balahisar was a mud fort, the British reinforced it with bricks and gave it the present day look. Till 1947, the fort also housed the treasury.On 14 August 1947, the Pakistan flag hoisted over Balahisar, and the following year it became the Headquarters of the Frontier Corps (FC). A small museum has also been opened inside the Fort, which has a nice display of weapons, dresses, and photographs relating to the FC. The Balahisar Fort has been opened to tourism, however prior appointment is a necessary convenience. It would be prudent to take a conducted tour, preferably through Sehrai Travel & Tours details below
MAHABAT KHAN MOSQUE
The mosque was built in mid 17th century, during the rule of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Mahabat Khan was governor of the Peshawar region at the time, and he financed the building of the mosque, thus the eponym. It is a beautiful mosque in the traditional Mughal style. Set among the gold and silversmith shops, its narrow but massive entrance leads to a large prayer courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard is a cool blue tiled ablution pond, with a row of rooms on either side, and a main prayer hall towards the western side. The main hall is lavishly decorated inside and covered by three fluted domes. Two tall minars (towers) rise on either side of the main hall. In 1826, the Sikhs had to fight their way to Peshawar and let loose a reign of terror, which continued with the appointment of General Avitabile, an Italian mercenary, as the governor of Peshawar. Every day before breakfast, he would have a few local men hurled from the top of the minar of the Mahabat Khan Mosque to "teach a lesson to the unruly tribesmen". His cruelty has passed into the folklore of the walled city, for naughty children are often warned of the wrath of Abu Tabela, a local corruption of 'Avitabile'. The top domes of the minars were destroyed by the Sikh rulers, and later rebuilt by British. Today it is well maintained by the faithfuls.Remember to take off your shoes before entering the mosque. Ensure that you are clothed to cover your arms and legs. Also cover your head. The Mahabat Khan Mosque is located on the narrow street of Andarshar Bazaar, inside the Peshawar City. To get there, either take the Kachairy Road to Chowk Yadgar, park there and walk west 150 meters into the Bazaar; or park diagonally across the southeast end of Balahisar Fort on Hakim Ullah Jan Road, and walk up the alley of Andarshar Bazaar. The mosque is at the highest point on the street.
PESHAWAR MUSEUM
The Victorian Memorial Hall was originally the built as a center for cultural and social activities of British military and civil officers. However, when the archeological mission started excavations in various parts of NWFP, the British realized the necessity for a museum and converted this monumental building to a museum in 1906. The red brick building of the Peshawar Museum is like a Mughal monument from the outside and a basilica from the inside. The style is typically Curzonian, amalgamated with oriental features. The interior consists of a long hall with side galleries on the ground floor and galleries on the first floor. At present there are four main galleries: The Gandhara Gallery houses a major collection of the museum. These artifacts come from different Buddhist sites in the Mardan District, and all the episodes on display are related to Buddhism. At the entrance of the Gallery is huge painting depicting the Gandharan Empire. The Muslim Gallery contains handwritten copies of the holy Quran, calligraphic specimens, manuscripts and Mughal miniature paintings. The Ethnological Gallery contains the dresses, weapons, household objects, musical instruments and dummies from different tribes of NWFP. The most interesting collection comes from Kafaristan in Chitral, it consists of wooden effigees of men and women. The Coins Gallery displays the coins of Muslim rulers of India and Indo-Greek rulers. Some specimen seals and jewels are also on display.
SHOPING
Peshawar offers an intensely interesting and varied shopping experience. The bazaars offer not only a wide range of merchandise but also a picturesque and entertaining arena to explore. These lively bazaars are representative of the everyday life and you can find an amazing number of people conversing in three to four languages at the same time. By far, the most interesting tour would be that of a bazaar in Peshawar. Most of these colorful bazaars are in the old city where you find a labyrinth of narrow lanes, a mosaic of traders, travelers, Pathan tribesmen and Afghans. Shops are generally open every day, except during Friday prayers between noon and 3:00pm. A detailed tour of these bazaars would take no less than a full day.
KHYBER BAZAR
The bus terminal for the Khyber Pass and Tribal Agencies is located here. Kabuli Gate, one of the walled city's 16 gates is at the end of the Khyber Bazaar. Though the gate and the walls have disappeared for the most part, some remnants are still visible. Doctors, lawyers and dentists mostly occupy Khyber Bazaar. There are a number of inexpensive hotels with reasonable room service and air-conditioning.
QISA KHAWANI BAZAR
Derives its name from olden times when it served as the news center for the area. It was a place where news and views were exchanged and professional raconteurs enthralled large audiences of passers-by. A walk down this bazaar is still an exciting experience. Although the storytellers are long gone the street still throbs with activity. Colorful fruit-stalls and sweetshops compete for your attention and wayside restaurants sell a bewildering variety of kebabs, grilled meats and freshly baked flat bread. The aroma of tea and cardamom fill the air mingled with sandalwood, incense and tobacco. In the mid-19th century, British Commissioner in Peshawar, Sir Edward Herbert described Qissa Khawani Bazaar as 'the Piccadilly of Central Asia'. Towering over the street are tall narrow buildings with intricately carved balconies and window frames enclosing wooden shutters. Most of the cheaper hotels can also be found here.