Celebrating Sajji on #BalochCultureDay - an important part of the culinary heritage of the Baloch people, a popular dish in the region and beyond. A thread:
Sajji is believed to have been developed as a way to cook whole animals, like lamb or chicken, in a slow and steady fashion over hot coals. This method of cooking ensures that the meat is tender and juicy.
The spices used in the marinade add a rich and flavorful taste to the dish, and usually include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilli powder, along with salt and sometimes garlic.
The dish is served with rice, traditional roti or naan, or a local variety of bread known as Kaak. The later is tough yet flavourful break, cooked atop large, heavy stones.
Another interesting fact about the delicacy is that historians suggest that whilst the dish is certainly indigenous, it may have been influenced by the Mughal and Persian culinary traditions.
The Mughals were known for their slow-cooked meat dishes and for the use of aromatic spices, cumin, coriander, and turmeric in this case. Persian cooking is characterized by the use of garlic, herbs, and sophisticated and complex flavours.
Whether influenced by Mughal or Persian cuisine or not, Sajji is a delicious witness of the cultural and culinary diversity of the Balochistan region. It is both, cuisine and culture, and is a staple at special events and celebrations, including wedding parties, Aqiqa's and Eid.
Now one of the most famous local cuisines in Pakistan, Sajji’s delicious taste and enduring popularity are a testament to its status as a true culinary classic❤️
In medieval Muslim astrology, each Zodiac Sign had a Jinn associated to it. A thread on Zodiac Jinns from the Ajaib al Makhlooqat wa Gharaib al Maujoodaat, one of the most important works on Islamic cosmology and mythology:
Königin Pauline Württemberg wearing a Kashmir Paisley Shawl. Painting by Joseph Karl Stieler – ca. 1825. She was born a Württemberg and married a Württemberg. She is holding her son Karl who married Grand Princess Olga, and a Morris Rug
A short thread on the history of paisley:
In the Indo-Persian world, the Paisley, originally known as the Boteh/Ambi/Koyari/Kalka was influenced by the shape of a Cypress tree, or small, unripe Mango, both of which have strong cultural connotations of life and prosperity.
The Paisley motif, which evolved from the original buta design, became particularly prominent as it was adopted by Scottish weavers in Paisley, who produced imitations of Kashmiri Pashmina shawls.
Music has historically been at the forefront of resistance around the world.
During the 1940s, Urdu poetry took centre stage as protests erupted across British India, with calls for Independence louder than ever. A thread:
During the Pakistan Movement (1940-47), amid calls to join the Muslim League, Fateh and Mubarak Ali Khan sang the Qawalli, “Muslim Hay tou Muslim League Main Aa” - it not only became a hit but also became a slogan for the Muslim League.
Kaifi Azmi penned the poem: Aurat. It centres female agency, and participation in the Pakistan movement. Both revolutionary and romantic, it is reminiscent of what Jinnah thought and said about the political participation and agency of women.
When Sikandar conquered parts of the Indian Subcontinent, he appointed one of his men there, and went back.
Soon after, the people of the Subcontinent rebelled against him, and appointed a new King.
However, he soon turned tyrannical, and no one dared to utter a word against him. A great philosopher at the tome, tried to make the King see sense, however, he was imprisoned.
When the King needed the philosopher, he freed him again, and the scholar then wrote the book, Kaleela Wa Dimna. Kaleela and Dimna are two jackals, the main characters in the story.
In most parts of Pakistan, it is common for young girls to braid their hair parted in the centre, with two braids. Older women however, tie up their hair in one single braid.
A thread on plaiting hair:
Kalasha women however, a unique ethnic group, wear several braids in their hair throughout their lives. Little girls may wear their hair in one or two braids, but older woman have more plaits.
Mongol maidens tie their hair in several braids, but as they grow older, they make two braids. Mongols see the hair as an extension of the body, which is why Mongol women cover their braids.