# Altit Fort

Altit Fort (Urdu: قلعہ التیت) is an ancient fort in the Altit town in the Hunza valley in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state who carried the title of 'Mir', although they moved to the somewhat younger Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. Altit Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan. The fort has received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.

## History

The word 'Altit' means 'this side down' and the area around the fort is inhabited by Burusho people. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to build two forts (Altit and Baltit forts). The local language, Burushaski, is a language isolate which has no demonstrated link to any other known language. There are several theories about their origin but local indigenous origin holds much value among the people. The people of the fort are said to be descendants of the White Huns who arrived in 47 A.D, while the local people believe themselves descendants of Alexander the Great's Greek soldiers. According to the legend the first name for Altit village was Hunukushal, meaning the village of Huns. The Huns came from the Huang-Ho valley in China. The name later changed to Broshal, translated as a village of Bruchiski speakers. They were spirit worshipers as Shamanism was in practice and also followed Buddhism and Hinduism. In the 15th century Islam was introduced. Around 1830 in turn many converted to Ismailism.

## Restoration

The Altit Fort was in great disrepair, but has recently been restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Historic Cities Support Programme and the Government of Norway. It is characterized by small rooms and low portals with exquisite wood carvings. Altit Fort is a tourist site which has been open to the public since 2007.

## Tribes

According to the local elders white Huns from the soldier of Alexander started human settlement in Altit when they were on way back from China. It is said that these were the ancestors of the Khanu Kuts tribe of Altit. Presently, majority of households of this tribe are living within the old cluster settlement known as Burum Khan. The Khunu kuts still has the status of Saath Guy; the privilege of starting any activity/event/work/festival within the village. On the other hand, people from Hussain kuts also claim to be the earlier settler in Altit. They claim that Hussain is modified from Hun. It is said that for centuries Hussain kuts remained as a ruling and strong tribe within the village. It is narrated that this tribe was strong and thus creating troubles for the Raja of Gilgit. Therefore, the Raja with the help of other tribes ordered mass killing of the people of this tribe.
The origin of different tribes and sub-tribes reveals that people from different regions migrated to Altit and permanently settled down. Presently, the people of Altit belong to one of these four major tribes. These tribes are divided into Gutti. The origin of the sub-tribes may also be different from the major one.

### Husain Kuts

It is said that the ancestor of this tribe migrated from Tibet or Ladakh. The local people also relate their arrival with the invasion of Kisar on Altit. The Husain Kuts is divided into below sub-tribes or Gutti:
* Bakoo kuts,
* Bhuthe kuts,
* Faratu kuts,
* Garusin kuts,
* Ghauin kuts,
* Ghulapee kuts,
* Matum kuts,
* Rosh kuts,
* Shalanga kuts,
* Shamir kuts,
* Shahthurai kuts,
* Quttosh kuts

### Khano Kuts

According to the elders of this tribe the ancestors of different Gutti migrated from Tajikistan, Zabak, Diamer and Thakar Khan, Hopper, Nagar. Sub-tribes include:
* Dhathu kuts
* Hun kuts (Laghan kuts)
* Jerovf kuts
* Bai kuts
* Jaturi kuts
* Dhudu kuts
* Khanjafa kuts
* Lachur kuts
* Abdulali kuts
* Masak Kutz
* Fuk kutz

### Hukalo Kuts

According to the elders of the tribe, the ancestor of this tribe migrated from Baltistan and was belonging to the royal family. Later on some other people migrated from Shigar and Nagar and joined this tribe. The tribe is subdivided into below Gutti:
* Moankuts a)Mamu kuts, b) Moukuts, c) Habib kutz
* Sort kuts
* Nazar kutz
* Mushkil kuts
* Baghorik
* Jinu kuts
* Bathu kuts
* Bulush kuts
* Toq kuts
* Attakuz
* Galyu kutz

### Shoshorating

According to the elders of the tribe the ancestor of this tribe migrated to Altit from Rome. According to oral traditions some people from Rome migrated to Bakhtar in Eastern Iran where they ruled for about 3–4 years. After that they had a battle with the troops of central government and thus left the area and entered in Afghanistan and to Hidukush region. After many years they reached to the present day Altit and settled there. However, different Gutti relate their origins from different areas. Presently, the tribe has below main Gutti:
* Noormuhammed kuts
* Almaaz kuts
* Khoja kuts
* Mumbara kuts
* Su kuts
* Adai kuts
* Muyo kuts
* Aman kuts
* Ashur kuts
* Pashu kuts

## Gallery

* Altit fort Hunza view for basement
* A view of the Altit Fort taken from the Karakoram Highway, Pakistan. In the background, snow-covered Hunza peak is seen.
* A view of fort from its base
* View over Hunza from the fort
* An interior view of fort
* Altit fort made on the rocks which give a strong base
* stone, wood and mud structure made Altit fort strong
* Rooftop of Altit fort in Hunza Valley
* Altit fort structure made with stones and wood