Qissa Khawani Bazaar

Being the oldest market in South Asia, Qissa Khwani upholds the long-standing customs of storytelling and serving Peshawari Qehwa (green tea). It also draws crowds of visitors with its dazzling array of cuisines, wide cultural variety, and Mughal-era structures.

The history of Qissa Khwani is thought to be as old as the history of Peshawar; as a result, the distinctive custom of storytelling and Qehwa drinking became an essential component of Qissa Khwani culture, which has persisted through the ages.

THINGS TO DO AT QISSA KHWANI BAZAAR:

• Learn about its strategic location:

The Qissa Khwani Bazaar, in the center of Peshawar City, is close to the historic Chowk Yadgar, Ghanta Ghar, and Balahisar fort. Here, international merchants from the subcontinent, Afghanistan, and Central Asia spent the night before departing for their respective destinations and exchanged stories about love, culture, art, and architecture. They also enjoyed the famous Qehwa, Kabli Pulao, and Kulfi-Falooda (green tea).

• Understand its pivotal role in the conquests of rulers across generations:

Throughout the ages, this served as a gathering place for Central Asian military expeditions and caravans. Alexander the Great, Mehmood Ghaznvi, Zaheeruddin Babar, Nadir Shah, Ahmed Shah Durrani, and his grandson Shah Zaman were just a few notable conquerors and rulers who marched via the Khyber Pass during their conquests of India.

• Embrace iconic landmarks that are mighty in size and worth:

The Qissa Khwani Bazaar, located in the center of Peshawar City close to the historical Chowk Yadgar, Ghanta Ghar, and Balahisar fort, attracts tourists' attention with its primitive and archaic culture. Visitors may also see the ancestral homes of famous Bollywood figures, such as Yousaf Khan, a.k.a. Dalip Kumar, at Mohallah Khudadad, Prithvi Raj, the father of Raj Kapoor, at his haveli, and Shah Rukh Khan's family at Shah Wali Qatal.

The arching white marble memorial built in the heart of the market to remember all those killed by British forces in the Qissa Khwani massacre in 1930 has continued to draw large crowds.

The historic structures of the marketplace, which are noted for their bookstores, publishers, and sweet shops, still display Indo-Islamic architectural styles on facades.

• Indulge in drool-worthy teas:

This bazaar is noted for its green tea stores, lovely ancient inns, brass accents, clay pots, and historical structures. There are constantly so many cups of green tea being passed from one hand to another. It's the bazaar that is 'always live.'

• Snack on local delicacies:

People are drawn to the lovely food stands that are spread out everywhere. From early morning till late at night, you may get street food.

It is an unusual location, crowded with people, vendors, food, noise, and spices. Visitors can enjoy the aroma of mouthwatering food cuisines like Chappal Kabab, Mutton Karahi, fried fish, and chicken roast while exchanging stories about ancient culture, music, and traditional norm coupled with the well-known Qehwa, Kabli Pulao, and Kulfi-Falooda (dessert) (green tea).