City of Gems
Explore the rich history of Peshawar, the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara, known as Parasawara.
Position: Peshawar is located west of the Bara River, a tributary of the Kabul River, near the Khyber Pass. To the east lie the Shahji-ki Dheri hills, home to the ruins of a significant Buddhist stupa dating back to the 2nd century.
History: Formerly known as Parasawara and Purusapura, and later renamed by Mughal Emperor Akbar as Peshawar ("border town"), the city was a major center of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara. It has historically served as a pivotal trading hub between the Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, evidenced by visits from figures like Marco Polo in 1275.
Economic Hub: Peshawar remains a vital center for transit caravan trade, connected by highway, rail, and air to major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Kabul. Industries include textiles, sugar mills, leather goods, pottery, embroidery, and traditional crafts. The city's bustling markets, like Qissah Khwani Bazar, attract traders dealing in dried fruits, carpets, and sheepskin products.
