PESHAWAR: Preservation work on Gor Khatri in Peshawar City has been accelerated to conserve this archaeological structure, says Archaeology and Museums Director Dr Abdul Samad.

Talking to a group of journalists here on Tuesday, he said that under a master plan, the restoration and preservation of Gor Khatri, located on one of the highest points in the heart of the Walled City, was accelerated to restore originality of the antique building.

“We would restore Gor Khatri while keeping in view its historic prospects and importance,” he said, adding that based on an excavation at the site it was established that Peshawar was the oldest living city in South Asia.

In the initial phase, Dr Samad said, the restoration work on boundary wall of Gor Khatri was completed while interior infrastructure would be preserved and restored in the next phases.

Same type of bricks will be used in reconstruction of walls and other portions to bring the structure closer to its original shape

The wall on one side of the archaeological complex would be painted with history of Peshawar City to inform general public and visitors about significance of the complex and the city, Dr Samad said.

Similarly, under the plan, a state of the art archaeological gallery would be established in Gor Khatri wherein the objects of ancient period would be displayed, he said. He added that the existing art and archaeological gallery would be also preserved and protected.

The director said that restoration work on upper portion of the wall, eastern side of Gor Khatri, was accelerated. The conservation involves use of the same type of bricks to reconstruct the walls and other portions to bring it closer to its original shape.

The Directorate of Archaeology is also working to preserve and protect other historic buildings and sites across the province and a plan has already been devised in this regard.

“We have outlined a programme for creating awareness about the historic buildings and sites in the province,” said Dr Samad. He said that people living near the historic sites did not own those owing to lack of awareness.

Adviser to Chief Minister Amjad Afridi, while highlighting the historic importance of Gor Khatri, said that government was working on different projects to revive and revitalise the glory of Peshawar by conserving, preserving and reviving its historic buildings, sites, bazaars, monuments and walls.

Archaeology and Tourism Secretary Azam Khan, while talking about the preservation and conservation plan of the historic buildings and monuments, stressed the need for consistence efforts to conserve and protect historic sites in the province.

It is pertinent to mention here that there are some 6,000 archaeological sites, which need to be protected as well as highlighted to attract visitors interested in archaeology and history.

Gor Khatri is located on a mound in Peshawar City and is in fact a complex where a Mughal-era serai, a historic Gorakshanath temple, Governor Avitabile’s house in Sikh period, a network of cells in the southern and western side of the structure and a fire brigade building dating back to 1917 makes this place a unique archaeological site.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014