Did you know that Pakistan is home to a host of Astrotourism destinations?
You can discover celestial wonders at campsites, from shimmering lakes to majestic mountain ranges. A thread on some of the most enchanting views of the night sky: 🇵🇰🔭
#PakistanAstroTourism
Kalri Lake: Nestled in the heart of Sindh, Kalri Lake's serene waters reflect the stars, creating a celestial mirror that transports you to another world.
Mud Volcano: Witness the otherworldly landscapes of the Mud Volcano in Balochistan, where the night sky meets the earthly wonders, creating a surreal stargazing experience. 🌋🌠
Omara & Pasni: These coastal gems in Balochistan offer a unique astro-beach experience, with the rhythmic waves harmonising with the cosmic symphony overhead. 🏖️🌌
Lake Saif-al-Malook: Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, Lake Saif-al-Malook becomes a celestial spectacle at night, as stars reflect in its crystal-clear waters, creating a celestial dreamscape. 🌠🏞️
Deosai National Park: Known as the "Land of Giants," Deosai offers an unparalleled astrotourism experience, where the vast plains meet the expansive sky, making it an ideal spot for stargazing enthusiasts. 🏞️🌌
Shandur Pass: Situated at a breathtaking altitude, Shandur Pass provides a celestial gateway, where the cosmos unfolds above the mesmerising landscapes of the Hindukush region. 🏔️🌌
Kirthar Mountains: Explore the rugged beauty of the Kirthar Mountains under the cosmic ballet, where the peaks echo the majesty of the night sky, creating a symphony of nature and the universe. 🏔️🌠
Skardu: Nestled in the lap of the Karakoram Range, Skardu's enchanting beauty is amplified under the starry sky, offering a unique experience for those seeking celestial wonders. 🌌❄️
Hingol National Park: Home to diverse landscapes, Hingol National Park transforms into a celestial haven at night, where the natural wonders harmonize with the cosmic dance above. 🏞️🌌
Thal & Thar Deserts: Experience the magic of the deserts as the celestial dome above the Thal and Thar Deserts unveils a mesmerizing panorama of stars, painting the night with celestial hues. 🏜️🌠
Rakaposhi: Marvel at the celestial spectacle above one of the highest peaks in the Karakoram Range, Rakaposhi. The towering mountain serves as a backdrop to the cosmic drama unfolding in the night sky. 🏔️🌌
K2 Basecamp: Camp under the shadow of the mighty K2 and witness a celestial display like no other, as the world's second-highest peak guards the secrets of the universe above. 🏔️🌌
Charakusa Valley: Tucked away in the Karakoram Range, Charakusa Valley offers an off-the-beaten-path astrotourism experience where the pristine night sky is your only companion. 🏞️🌠
Cholistan: The expansive desert of Cholistan comes alive with celestial wonders at night, where the undisturbed horizon meets the star-studded expanse above, creating a surreal dreamscape. 🏜️🌌
Fairy Meadows: Nestled at the base of Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth-highest peak, Fairy Meadows is a celestial sanctuary where lush meadows meet the starry expanse, creating a dreamscape that transports you to the realms of enchantment. 🏞️🌌
Shimshal Valley: Explore the rugged beauty of Shimshal Valley under the cosmic canvas, where towering peaks and ancient glaciers become the backdrop to a celestial spectacle. ⛰️🌠
Hoper Valley: A hidden gem where serene landscapes come alive under the celestial symphony, where majestic peaks and tranquil rivers offer an unparalleled astro-experience in the heart of the Karakoram Range 🏞️🌌
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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.