# Yugo, Baltistan

Yugo (Yugu) is a small village with a population of more than 6,000 people in the Ghanche district of Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The village is located above the Shyok River 70 km from Baltistan's capital Skardu on a tarmac highway heading towards Khaplu after passing Ghawari and Kunes. Yugo is situated adjacent to the geographically important village of Kharfak which boasts of a high-altitude mountain lake, Lake Kharfak. Khaplu which is Ghanche district's administrative capital lies a further 25 km away from Yugo.
Yugo is territorially separated from Kharfak by a strategically important landmark- the "Kharfak Bridge" which separates the territories of Yugo and Kharfak. Kharfak village lies on its immediate east, Ghawari on the west, Kharmang on the southern side and Balghar on the northeast. Yugo consists of four colonies: 'Yugo proper' , Albok , Fazlee colony and Sirkiting (Baqir Colony). Fazlee colony and Baqir Colony which are separated by a glacier water stream. A small bridge, the Sirkiting bridge, connects Sirkiting and Yugo proper. The people of Yugo refer to themselves as Yugupa. The Shyok River meanders around the edges of the village, between the bragh- a towering huge bald rocky mountain and the village. A sandy area of the river bank on the north of the village across Shyok River which is locally referred to as Foshfosh is part of Yugo territory.

## Education

Hundreds of students continue to study basic religious education in local madrassas or seminaries and then proceed to Ghawari for higher studies, some eventually ending up at Madinah University in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait University. This is attributed to the fact that most of the village's inhabitants profess a form of Islam that is close to the Saudi version of Salafi Islam, known as Ahl al-Hadith in the South Asian region. However, the people of Yugo get along very well with their Noorbakshi and Shia neighbours and are thought to be very tolerant compared to most of their Arab counterparts. All baltis regardless of creed share a common cultural and linguistic heritage.

## Origins

Due to ideological persecution. While details of their persecution are controversial, they are believed to be more secular with a love for music especially drums-Dang. The two apo were joined by another religious man Apo Baqir from Khaplu who fled religious persecution and eventually settled in nearby Skirkiting. Eventually their descendants formed the twin villages of Yugo and Skirkiting. The people of both Yugo proper and Skirkiting now generally regard themselves as Yugupa although some sections of smaller subsets within the community still prefer to maintain their original identities. For example, the people of Skirkiting sometimes refer to themselves as Baqirpa to differentiate themselves from the other Yugupas based on their being descendants of Apo Baqir. Generally, the people of Yugo proper display more caucasoid features being fairer, taller and with lighter and more broader eyes as compared to the people from Skirkiting who are more Tibetan in their features with slanted epicanthial folds and shorter, stouter stature and darker complexion. This is attributed to their different origins- the people of Skirkiting being closer to their Tibetan origin kinsmen in Khaplu as opposed to the people of Yugo proper, who are of Turkic and Aryan origin like their counterparts in Gilgit. However, following numerous intermarriages, this may not always be true and it is now common to have mixed characteristics on both sides.

## The people of Yugo

The people of Yugo have maintained their unique identities and yet share cultural and religious beliefs. They profess a more tolerant version of Ahl al-Hadith sect of Sunni Islam. Several decades ago, Yugupas were all Sufia Nurbakhshi but following intense preaching by the late Sheikh-ul-Hadith Mufti Azam Maulana Abdul Qadir Baltistani and his contemporaries from Skirkiting like the late Apo Jaafar, they converted to Ahl al-Hadith form of Islam. Despite the love for music by most Baltis, it was banned after a religious revival movement by Sheikh-ul-Hadith Mufti Azam Maulana Abdul Qadir Baltistani in the late 1960s. Intermarriages between the two communities of Skirkiting and Yugo proper over time have led to more integration with the Yugupa now acquiring a relatively homogenous identity.
Due to shortage of arable land and other resources, it is now estimated that more than half of its original inhabitants migrated to mainland Pakistan and overseas in search of better life including employment opportunities and both religious and secular education. Many Yugupa work in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, teachers, labourers and drivers with a few in the engineering, medical and marketing sectors. A number of Yugupa, most of them in mainland Pakistan and a handful abroad in North America, Australia and Africa are professionals in the medical and engineering sector.

## Scholars

The village also produces some of the region's most highly educated and respected scholars. The late Sheikh-ul-Hadith Mufti Azam Maulana Abdul Qadir Baltistani and Maulana Abdul Rahim Bin Muhammad Ali Yugovi were the Balti Sunni Ahl al-Hadith scholars who were recognised by many Baltis including those belonging to other sects during his life, for provision of a traditional Islamic justice system Shariat. One of Maulana Abdul Qadir Baltistani son is Dr Hamidullah, who is currently professor at the Islamic department University of the Punjab, Lahore. Under his supervision and guidance more than 30 scholars have got PhD . His 40 research papers have been published in various magazines/ periodicals. The village is also known for a high number of scholars who have studied Islamic religious education in the Islamic University of Madinah

## Scholar from Baqer colony

Haji Abdul Rehman Makki (Baqri) Yugovi (1906-1986), also known as "Bawa Haji Ghulam" or "Apo Bawa Haji," was born in 1906 in the Baqir Colony of Yugo, Baltistan. His father was Ali Fu (son of Ali), his grandfather was Abdul Karim, and his great-grandfather was Muhammad Ali. The residents of Baqir Colony had migrated from Baqirpi Gond in Khaplu, and their ancestors were originally from Thagas. They had migrated to Baltistan along with the famous spiritual leader, Syed Ali Hamadani. Their ancestry traces back to the city of Hamadan in Iran. He was granted Saudi Arabian citizenship by the government because he served as a personal physician to the royal family. Fluent in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Balti, and English, he spoke these languages as a native speaker. Arabs were often amazed by his eloquent Arabic, not believing that someone from a non-Arab background could speak it so fluently. Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi was a globally recognized figure from Baltistan.
Early Life and Education
Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi received his initial education from his father-in-law, Maulana Abdul Rahim Bin Muhammad Ali (Baqri) Yugovi, also known as "Bawa Mulbi," a prominent scholar of the Ahl-i-Hadith community in Yugo. This religious education played a significant role in shaping his life and career. Later, he continued his religious studies at Madrasah Taqwiyatul Iman in Amritsar, India. During his stay in Saudi Arabia, he studied further at Darul Hadith Makkah and Darul Hadith Madinah, receiving advanced religious education. Additionally, he earned a diploma in Pharmacy.
Travels and Medical Expertise
Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi was famous for his travels across the world, earning him the title of "The Ibn Battuta of Baltistan." His travels took him to various countries, including Iraq, Najaf, Samarra, Egypt, Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Finland, and some reports even mention China, Japan, and Korea. He spent most of his life in Makkah, where he established a pharmacy, which later became part of the expansion of the Haram by the Saudi government. He also spent some time in Gaza, Palestine. His travels were not limited to religious matters. He was also a skilled physician and a herbalist, gaining fame in the medical field. He possessed a pulse-checking machine, which was uncommon at the time, and was known for performing eye surgeries when even MBBS doctors found it challenging. He treated patients whom others had failed to help. He was highly sought after for medical treatment throughout Baltistan, from Braldo Bashah to Tiagshi Tortok. He became famously known as "Machine Kol B Apo" (the Elder who checks the pulse) in these regions. In Tortok, he once treated an elderly woman who was severely ill, and after giving her a potent medicine, her condition worsened so much that people expected her to die. However, the next morning, she was fully recovered. Many childless couples were blessed with children after receiving treatment from him. Some of these people were from his own village, Yugo.
Contributions to Jamia Darul Uloom Ghawari
In 1945, Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi played a crucial role in obtaining endorsements (tasdeeqat) for Jamia Darul Uloom Ghawari. These endorsements were translated into Arabic and were later used to garner financial aid from Arab countries. The support came from prominent scholars and institutions, which acknowledged the significance of the institution and supported its mission. Some of the scholars who provided endorsements include Maulana Abu Saeed Muhammad Sharafuddin, Maulana Muhammad Dawood Ghaznavi, Maulana Kifayatullah Dehlvi, Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, and many others. These endorsements opened up a vital avenue for external financial aid, especially from Saudi Arabia. The contributions of Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi were instrumental in securing the survival and growth of Jamia Darul Uloom Ghawari.
Role in Anjuman Islamia and Services to Baltistan
Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi also played a pivotal role in Anjuman Islamia Baltistan, a platform for the Ahl-i-Sunnat, Ahl-i-Hadith, and Deobandi communities. He served as the secretary of the organization and was repeatedly elected as a member. His leadership and influence helped the organization maintain its impact and strength in Baltistan. He represented the organization as a diplomat, especially in addressing the issues of the Sunni community in Baltistan. He was part of a delegation that presented the problems of the Sunni community to Maharaja Hari Singh, for whom he also worked as a personal physician. He was also part of a delegation that met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador in Kashmir to ensure that the demands of the Sunni community in Baltistan were addressed. In 1945, he was sent to India on a crucial mission to secure aid for Jamia Darul Uloom Ghawari, despite the challenges posed by political turmoil and the ongoing Indian independence movement. His efforts resulted in acquiring crucial endorsements for the institution, which proved to be immensely beneficial in later years.
Medical and Religious Services
Apart from his religious knowledge, Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi was also an expert in traditional medicine and herbal remedies. His medical prescriptions were later published in several medical books, including Kanzul Mujarrabat, compiled by Hakim Abdullah. He performed eye surgeries and other medical procedures where conventional medicine failed. He also helped in the construction of a canal (Kohl) in his village, Yugo, with the support of a prominent merchant from India, who was a follower of the Ahl-i-Hadith sect. He served as a teacher at Madrasat al-Al-Sina al-Sharqiya in Yugo, where he imparted knowledge to the students.
Expertise in Astrology
Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi was well-versed in astrology and astronomy, having studied books like Kitab Abu Mashar al-Falaki fi Tal' al-Insan. Although people often approached him for astrological readings, he would decline as he did not consider it permissible according to Islamic teachings.
Personal Life
Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi was married to the daughter of Maulana Abdul Rahim Yugovi, and she played an essential role in supporting his religious and scholarly work. He dedicated his life to Islamic knowledge, wisdom, and the betterment of his community. He would frequently observe I'tikaf and fast on Thursdays. He had a sense of humor, and his anecdotes are still widely shared in his community.
Being originally from Baqir Colony, which had ties to the Raja of Khaplu, he would often bring valuable gifts for the Raja upon returning from his travels. He was also a patron of books and had an extensive library that included religious, medicinal, and contemporary scientific texts.
Influence and Legacy
Haji Abdul Rehman Makki Yugovi's influence extended far beyond his community. His contributions to religious education, his expertise in medicine, and his efforts for the betterment of the Sunni community in Baltistan earned him immense respect. His work, particularly in securing financial aid for Jamia Darul Uloom Ghawari, ensured the institution's continued success.
He remains a highly respected figure in the global Islamic community for his unwavering commitment to Islam, his medical expertise, and his contributions to the welfare of Muslims.

## Language

Most of the current inhabitants speak Balti dialect similar to other areas of Baltistan, although the style of speaking is slightly different from other areas of Baltistan. Yugupa speak a dialect that is rougher, louder and with less emphasis on traditional intonation, and less strain on the vowels at the end of speech than some of their counterparts for example in Khaplu.

## Geography and biodiversity of Yugo

Geographically, Yugo resembles much of the other Himalayan regions. The village settlements are at an average altitude of 10498 ft above sea level with the lowest point of the village- Fosh Fosh Thung which is a sandy river shore being 9186 ft above sea level close to the River Shyok. There are towering ice-capped mountains in the surrounding areas including Sn'gonpo Ran'ga – a high altitude plateau around 13,000 ft above sea level, as well as mountains Ming met la, Marpho khiyang ra la, Hyaqra, Khi sa and Dindaq khilas, which are all at heights greater than 16,000 feet (4,900 m) above sea level at their peaks. There are also cultivable (in summer) highland slopes like the Ltep La – which resembles the steppes, Ghorawat, Burat La and Thangwa. The area is in an earthquake-prone area close to Eurasian faultlines with minor earthquakes and tremors – Sa gul felt not so infrequently. The village also has a permanent spring which is the main source of clean drinking water provided to the houses via pipes. Electricity generated from hydroelectric power from the gushing glacier water streams from a neighbouring village is available in Yugo but supply is erratic and voltage fluctuations and outages are common. The mountain areas are known to have a number of endangered species like the snow leopard, brown bear, red fox also known as Waa and the beautiful Ibex which is a wild mountain goat locally known as Markhor. Exotic birds such as the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges can also be spotted in the area. The rivers are rich in fresh-water fish like the Saanya and the Trout. Rare flowers and plants can also be spotted in summer and spring on the mountains.

## Other names and spellings for Yugo

Yugo is spelled Yugu, Yuogo Yugu, Northern Areas, Pakistan or Yougo.