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Peshawar Museum

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

By Taj GulPublished 12 months ago 4 min read
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Peshawar Museum

Peshawar, the capital city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, is steeped in rich history and culture. One of the city's most significant cultural treasures is the Peshawar Museum, also known as the Provincial Museum of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Located on the bustling Khyber Road in Peshawar, the museum was established in 1907 during British rule in India. It is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, coins, jewelry, and other ancient artifacts.

These items offer a glimpse into the region's history, from the prehistoric era to the present day.

The Peshawar Museum is divided into several galleries, each showcasing a different aspect of the region's history. One of the most notable galleries is the Gandhara Gallery, which houses an extensive collection of Gandharan art.

Gandhara was an ancient kingdom located in present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, known for its unique blend of Buddhist and Greco-Roman art. The gallery displays a range of Gandharan artifacts, including sculptures, coins, and pottery.

Another fascinating gallery is the Islamic Gallery, which features a range of Islamic art and artifacts from the region. The gallery houses a variety of items, including Quranic manuscripts, calligraphy, ceramics, and metalwork.

The Islamic Gallery also displays a range of weapons, including swords, spears, and daggers, from the Mughal and Sikh periods.

The museum also boasts an extensive collection of coins, including coins from ancient Greece, Rome, and Persia, as well as coins from the various dynasties that ruled over the region. These coins offer valuable insights into the economic history of the area.

One of the most impressive exhibits in the museum is the Uthman Quran, which is believed to be the oldest Quran in the world. The Quran dates back to the early 7th century and is written on parchment in Kufic script.

It is said to have belonged to the third caliph, Usman ibn Affan(RA) and is an important historical and religious artifact.

The Peshawar Museum also houses a range of other notable artifacts, including a collection of Buddhist manuscripts and sculptures from the region, as well as a range of tribal artifacts from the various tribes that call the region home.

However, the museum has had a tumultuous history. In 2006, the museum was damaged by a suicide bombing that killed two people and injured dozens of others.

Many of the museum's artifacts were damaged or destroyed in the attack, including several Gandharan sculptures. The museum was closed for several years while repairs were made, and many of the damaged artifacts were restored.

Despite these challenges, the Peshawar Museum remains an important cultural institution in the region. The museum's collections offer valuable insights into the history and culture of the area, and the museum continues to attract visitors from around the world.

In recent years, the museum has undergone several renovations to improve its facilities and expand its collections. In 2018, a new gallery was opened, dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of the Kalasha people, an indigenous tribe living in the nearby valleys.

The gallery features a range of artifacts and exhibits, including traditional costumes, jewelry, and musical instruments.

The Peshawar Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. It offers a unique perspective on the region's past and present and provides a valuable glimpse into the diverse cultures that have shaped the area over the centuries.

The Peshawar Museum is not only a repository of ancient artifacts and cultural treasures, but it is also a center for research and education. The museum regularly hosts lectures, seminars, and workshops on various topics related to the history and culture of the region.

These events offer a valuable opportunity for scholars, students, and the general public to learn more about the region's rich cultural heritage.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing various aspects of the region's culture and history. These exhibitions attract visitors from around the world, making the Peshawar Museum a hub of cultural exchange and dialogue.

The museum also has a library and archives, containing a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and documents related to the region's history and culture.

In conclusion, the Peshawar Museum is a vital cultural institution that plays an essential role in preserving and showcasing the rich history

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About the Creator

Taj Gul

I'm a seasoned traveler and travel writer, with a passion for exploring new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes.

I believe that travel has the power to broaden horizons, challenge perceptions, and connect people from all walks of life

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