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Collecting, curating and creating to breathe digital life into Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Jan 18 12 tweets 3 min read
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:

The Jinn of Hamal (Aries) Image The Jinn of Thawr (Taurus) Image
Jan 8 7 tweets 4 min read
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: Image
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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. Image
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Dec 30, 2024 6 tweets 3 min read
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: Image 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. Image
Oct 1, 2024 5 tweets 2 min read
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. Image 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. Image
Aug 14, 2024 5 tweets 3 min read
What better time than Independence Day to remember Hafeez Jalandhari, the man who wrote Pakistan’s National Anthem. A thread on his other poems:

1) Abhi Tou Main Jawan Hun
A romantic poem, it speaks of youth, love, and the intoxication of ishq

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2) Fursat ki Ek Tamanna Main

The poem laments what we now know as “the grind” - and he wishes for a moment to enjoy the garden, a view by the riverside, and the mundane in life.

rekhta.org/nazms/fursat-k…
Jun 9, 2024 8 tweets 5 min read
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:
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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. Image
May 8, 2024 8 tweets 4 min read
With #Heera_Mandi trending, perhaps it is time to introduce you to Azeezun: the real-life courtesan and freedom fighter from the 1857 War of Independence: a thread
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Following the British recapture of Kanpur, Lt. Col. Williams was tasked with investigating the events. Nanak Chand, a loyalist lawyer, and Janakee Prasad, a merchant, provided recorded testimonies mentioning Azeezun, a courtesan. Who was she, and what do we know of her?
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Apr 11, 2024 7 tweets 3 min read
Muslin, an ancient cloth from Bangladesh, renowned for its fine, gossamer finish, has a history of trade which spans as far back as to ancient Greece. While much has been documented about its historical significance, folklore surrounding it is less frequently discussed. A thread: Image In later times, the fabric was a favourite for Mughal royalty. Nicknamed “baft-hawa” which means “woven air” – travellers recorded that it was so fluid that one could pull 91m through the centre of a ring. Another said that 18m of Muslin could be fit into a pocket snuff box.
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Feb 16, 2024 6 tweets 3 min read
Pakistan is home to a handful of educational institutions with stunning architectural heritage. A short thread:
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1/ GCU Lahore; Est. 1864

The building was designed by W. Purdon, Superintendent Engineer, and constructed under the supervision of Executive Engineer Kannhaiya Lal. It was completed in 1877 at a cost of Rs. 320,000. Image
Feb 14, 2024 5 tweets 3 min read
Sammo's love, turned Sohrab, the warrior first into a madman, and then into a Saint - a Baloch folktale for #WyrdWednesday

folkloristan.com/post/mast-and-…
Image Engaged since childhood, Momin Khan & Shireeno grew up to fall in love He is tragically murdered, and she loses first her sanity, and then her life. Not meant to be in this life but were laid to rest together. - a Pashto folktale for #WyrdWednesday
folkloristan.com/post/momin-kha…
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Feb 13, 2024 11 tweets 6 min read
From silkworms and sheep's wool to skilled artisans, carpets journey through colourful dyes and beautiful weaves, carpet production is an ancient art rooted in the subcontinent and Central Asia for centuries.
A thread on Indo-Persian carpets:
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In Safavid Iran's 'Golden Age,' Persian carpet craftsmanship soared, fueled by royal patronage and exported to elite markets across Europe. Each weave became symbolic of a narrative, many of which echoed Islamic concepts rooted in Sufi philosophy.
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Feb 11, 2024 8 tweets 4 min read
Did you know that Waris Shah's Heer speaks of an iconic battle, symbolising a war against tyranny, in which Punjabi and Pakhtun tribes allied against the Mughal Governor of Lahore? A thread on the folklore of the Battle of Chunian: Image As the story goes, in the early 16th century, when Babar was on his way to capture Delhi, an ongoing inter-tribal war amongst the Pashtuns led to the exodus of some tribes.
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Feb 10, 2024 10 tweets 3 min read
"Where to start with Urdu poetry?"
There is so much of Urdu poetry, which makes it so easy to answer. It is almost as if the language was born for poetry alone, which makes it so difficult to point out.

A thread of Urdu Nazms and Ghazals to introduce yourselves to Urdu poetry: 1/ Mirza Ghalib
rekhta.org/ghazals/gulsha…
Dec 27, 2023 18 tweets 7 min read
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
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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.
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Nov 22, 2023 19 tweets 9 min read
The Seal of Suleman (A), also known as the David Star, was not always associated with the Zionist movement and the State of Israel. It has historically featured on just about everything from Talismans to Flags in the Muslim World: a thread
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It was illustrated on several copies of the Quran. In pictures: a Baybar's Quran, penned entirely with gold for a Mamluk Sultan, and a 16th-17th century manuscript from China.


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Sep 7, 2023 8 tweets 4 min read
The Warrior Queen of the Seas, al-Sayidda al-Hurra nicknamed "The Pirate Queen of the Meditteranean" by the Spaniards and the Portuguese is perhaps one of the most intriguing figures in medieval history. A thread for #FolkloreThursday Image The daughter of Moulay Ali ibn Rashid and Lala Zohra Fernandez, Andalusian Muslim nobility who fled to North Africa to escape Christian persecution, found herself married to the Chief of Tétouan in 1510, present-day Morocco.
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Jul 7, 2023 22 tweets 4 min read
Amidst the vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies of Qawwali, lies a treasure trove of spiritual insights and divine wisdom.

Exploring the nuances of a Qalam that weaves together religious and folkloric references – a thread: Kabhi kankar ko bana daitay ho heeray ki kanni,
Kabhi heeron ko bhi mitti main mila daitay ho,

There are times You turn stones into a diamond mine,
Other times, You reduce diamonds to dust (soil),

It refers to the miracles of God, and to death.
Jun 22, 2023 18 tweets 7 min read
Princesses, Queens, Regents and Warriors: a thread on some remarkable women from Muslim history 1/ Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (625 CE) - An early convert to Islam, Nusaybah participated in multiple battles, defending and protecting Prophet Muhammad. Her dedication and bravery earned her a revered place in Islamic history.
Jun 21, 2023 9 tweets 4 min read
Encounter of Legends: Urduja, the Warrior Queen of Tawaisi, and Ibn Battuta, the Traveller - a thread:

Queen Urduja, a warrior queen from the 14th century, ruled over Tawalisi, a region now known as Pangasinan. Born into a matriarchal dynasty, she was trained in the art of war from a young age and became a skilled in using the kampilan, a traditional Filipino sword.
Jun 17, 2023 35 tweets 11 min read
During Islam's golden age, women shined. Their brilliance and intelligence illuminated the path towards progress and enlightenment.

A thread of some of these women who left an indelible mark on the world: Image 1/ Umm Ma'bad (7th century) - A companion of the Prophet Muhammad who was known for her knowledge of hadith and her hospitality. Image
Jun 6, 2023 9 tweets 5 min read
Glass bangles are a part and parcel of every Pakistani girl's wardrobe. A mandatory accessory, for Eid, weddings, and any festive occasion. They're a symbol of happiness. Hyderabadi bangles in particular are famous for being exquisite - a thread on bangles:

Pictures: @Hibaah_yar ImageImage The process of creating these exquisite adornments begins with collecting broken glass, often done by women, which is then melted at a high temperature of 1,400 °F (760 °C) until it becomes thin, viscous streaks. These streaks are transformed into bangle rolls using a roller. ImageImage