The Qissa Khwani Bazaar is Peshawar’s most well-known and bustling marketplace, and it can be found right in the city’s center. This marketplace is known as the “Story Tellers’ Bazaar” in English because it was a common practice for merchants and visitors to congregate here in the evening to share tales.
Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, two of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, were both born at Qissa Khwani Bazaar. While you are taken to the realm of imagination while listening to the captivating tales of adventure and heroism, you wonder at the ingenuity of those storytellers who used to enchant their audience with their abilities as storytellers.
At the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, in addition to purchasing books, clothes, cosmetics, sweets, and other items, you can also indulge in several delectable cuisines and traditional forms of “kehwa.” Your trip to the Qissa Khwani Bazaar will be lacking in depth if you do not take the time to listen to the fascinating tales that the locals tell.
History of Qissa Khwani Bazaar
- The Qissa Khwani Bazaar, which is located in the middle of Peshawar City close to the historical Chowk Yadgar, Ghanta Ghar, and Balahisar Fort, has remained an important trade and cultural center.
- It was where international merchants from the subcontinent, Afghanistan, and Central Asia stayed at night and shared stories of love, culture, art and architecture, music, and traditions before departing for their respective destinations. It was referred to as “the Central Asian Piccadilly” by the Gazetteer of the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (which was once NWF).
- During ancient times, this area was frequented by merchants who conducted their business both day and night. While they gathered around the fire in the evenings, they would recount stories to one another while sipping kehwa. As a result, the marketplace was given the moniker “Story Tellers Bazaar.”
- The Bazaar begins at Kabuli Gate, which can be reached in only eight to ten minutes after disembarking from the BRT station of Khyber Bazaar. It transports tourists to a more primitive era after witnessing the centuries-old architectural buildings, artisans-owned shops, food restaurants, and Qehwa Khanas located throughout the bazaar.
- At its peak, the market acted as a rest stop for merchant caravans. The merchants came from Delhi, Amritsar, Lahore, Kabul, Dushanbe, Ashgabat, and Tashkent. These merchants would enter the city gates to unload their wares.
- During their conquests of India, notable warriors, conquerors, and kings passed via the famed Khyber Pass and stopped at the market. They include Alexander the Great, Mehmood Ghaznvi, Zaheeruddin Babar, Nadir Shah, Ahmed Shah Durrani, and his grandson Shah Zaman are known to have passed via the famed Khyber Pass and stopped at the market. It is thought that the history of Qissa Khwani is at least as old as the history of Peshawar.
Things to buy at Qissa Khwani Bazaar
Qissa Khwani Bazaar, one of the most famous places in Peshwar, is known for its vast variety of goods. You can find countless items, including apparel, shoes, spices, and sports goods, at affordable prices.
Some of the famous things you can buy at Qissa Khwani Bazaar are;
Green Tea
The most well-known type of tea in Peshawar is green tea. Green tea was a popular beverage among those who frequented the establishment. Camellia sinensis leaf makes up this component of the product.
When guests come to their Peshawar home, the locals have a long-standing custom of offering green tea with dry fruits. In addition, green tea is typically provided during wedding receptions.
Clay Urns & Pots
Firstly, Clay is the primary material for crafting Peshawar’s most well-known pot type. These pots are also imported into various cities across Pakistan. There are multiple stores selling clay pots at Qissa Khawani Bazaar.
Then, after giving the pots a basic form with clay, the artists decorate them with various patterns. These patterns make them more appealing to the eye. Clay Pots are the most well-received and appreciated presents among the Peshawarites.
Items Made of Brass
Furthermore, the goods made of brass are also the ones that sell the best in the Qissa Khuwani Bazaar. Various objects, including lamps, vases, plates, and different culinary utensils, as well as other decorative items, are produced using brass. They sell a range of brass goods. Many customers who come to Qissa Khawani Bazaar buy these products because they are special and distinctive.
Historic hotels and other architectural landmarks
The Qissa Khawani Bazaar is home to a large number of historic inns. They provide tourists and travelers with Peshawar cuisine that is both delicious. They are the soothing place to stay so they can make the most of their time in the city.
Moreover, the people of Peshawar have not forgotten their rich cultural heritage and ancient customs. The city’s many historic inns are proof of it. Many historically significant structures encircle the Qissa Khawani Bazaar. You will come across Peshawar’s stunning old architecture at every turn in the market.
Also, the bazaar boasts a large number of brightly colored fruit stores. It is home to many restaurants specializing in barbeque, Peshawar kababs, tikkas, and chappal kababs.
If you want to explore the hidden gems in Peshawar, we suggest you visit this peculiar bazaar. For more informational content, visit the Graana blog.
