The Swat Valley, also known simply as Valley Swat, has a long and very rich history. In fact, Swat Valley History begins over 2000 years ago when the very first residents settled there. Back then, the town known today as Valley Swat was called Udyana and later Suvastu. Settlers lived peacefully in the area, with many Buddhists settling there as well in the second century BC. Unfortunately the peace ended in the 11th century AD, turning a new page in Swat Valley History. During this time, the area was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni and was eventually taken over by the Dilazak and later, the Yusufzais.
Unfortunately, this constant fighting would continue to make up Swat Valley History for many years to come. Many Muslim tribes were eager to gain ownership of the beautiful Valley Swat. In the 19th century, however, Akhund Sahib came to control the land, and all of the rules changed. The valley began to be ruled under peaceful Muslim laws. The fighting finally stopped, and the agriculture, trade, and business areas began to thrive as a result. Unfortunately, when Sahib died, fighting started again. Today, however, the area is considered peaceful and even well established, despite these many setbacks and upheavals. There are several schools, including higher learning institutions in the area, and also many desirable tourist destinations.
Also fortunately, the Valley Swat is doing quite well today in other ways as well. The area has a thriving population, the highest in Swat Valley History. At the time of the last census, the area claimed 1,257,602 residents. Most of the inhabitants speak Pakhto, though thanks to tourism, there is some understanding of the English language. Cultural groups that remain in the area include Pakhtuns, Yusufzais, Kohistanis, Gujars, Awans, and Kohistanis. Despite all of these cultural and tribal differences, the people of the valley live in relative peace with one another and have done so for many years. The area has a good reputation, though some people do have the bad habit of connecting the area to terrorism solely because of its location. These fears, however, are completely unfounded, and many of the people who live in the area are Buddhist in terms of religious beliefs. So, in terms of a place to visit or even to live, the Swat Valley is considered quite safe.
So, while it is an interesting thing to study, the violent Swat Valley History is just that...history. Today, the Valley Swat is an excellent place to visit. It is full of wonderful tourists destinations include elaborate art museums, beautiful rustic architecture, and even a large ski resort. This beautiful area is also relatively inexpensive to visit, making it the perfect tourism destination for any individual or family.
Unfortunately, this constant fighting would continue to make up Swat Valley History for many years to come. Many Muslim tribes were eager to gain ownership of the beautiful Valley Swat. In the 19th century, however, Akhund Sahib came to control the land, and all of the rules changed. The valley began to be ruled under peaceful Muslim laws. The fighting finally stopped, and the agriculture, trade, and business areas began to thrive as a result. Unfortunately, when Sahib died, fighting started again. Today, however, the area is considered peaceful and even well established, despite these many setbacks and upheavals. There are several schools, including higher learning institutions in the area, and also many desirable tourist destinations.
Also fortunately, the Valley Swat is doing quite well today in other ways as well. The area has a thriving population, the highest in Swat Valley History. At the time of the last census, the area claimed 1,257,602 residents. Most of the inhabitants speak Pakhto, though thanks to tourism, there is some understanding of the English language. Cultural groups that remain in the area include Pakhtuns, Yusufzais, Kohistanis, Gujars, Awans, and Kohistanis. Despite all of these cultural and tribal differences, the people of the valley live in relative peace with one another and have done so for many years. The area has a good reputation, though some people do have the bad habit of connecting the area to terrorism solely because of its location. These fears, however, are completely unfounded, and many of the people who live in the area are Buddhist in terms of religious beliefs. So, in terms of a place to visit or even to live, the Swat Valley is considered quite safe.
So, while it is an interesting thing to study, the violent Swat Valley History is just that...history. Today, the Valley Swat is an excellent place to visit. It is full of wonderful tourists destinations include elaborate art museums, beautiful rustic architecture, and even a large ski resort. This beautiful area is also relatively inexpensive to visit, making it the perfect tourism destination for any individual or family.
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