KALASHA DASTOOR: COMMUNITY VILLAGE FOR THE KALASH & TOURISTS

Abstract

The Kalash community, located in the northern areas is the smallest minority in Pakistan with the population of 3000, which is constantly dwindling. Despite being situated in Chitral amidst the middle of Muslim majority areas, the three villages of Kalash are a great example of cultural conservation, and preservation as community which is evident in their language, culture, traditions and vernacular architecture. The village as a whole is a cultural hub having festival spaces, museum, souvenir shops, temples etc, due to this the region sets apart from other tourists destinations. Unfortunately, most visitors have misconceptions about this village and people, and when they visit it results in offensive behavior from the tourists and causes chaos. Recently there has an increase in the tourism of Pakistan specifically in the northern areas. But due to unregulated tourism and lack of awareness and information in people, the locals are suffering a lot. Major populations of tourist have zero tolerance and don't know how to respect differences due to the lack of knowledge about the place and their culture. It is ironic that the very attractions, such as civilization, culture, and landscapes, that are causing a rapid increase in tourism are now at risk due to the same phenomenon. This thesis aims to provide a transition space before entering the main Ka lash a village, which will act as an community village including ,information center, having display spaces, exhibition spaces (about culture/tradition/rituals), performance areas, traditional food spaces, organic food stalls, souvenir shops etc. So that before entering the village people have the basic knowledge about the village and the people. In addition to that, for better interaction with the community of the Ka lash, the programs such as library, workshops (jewelry, clothes etc.) and an amphitheater will be part of the center. So the idea is to promote sustainable tourism in the region in terms of social, cultural, environmental and economic sustainability. The proposed architecture aims to address the sudden shift in the types of spaces that the locals have experienced in recent times. Additionally, it aims to make the new users aware of this situation and help them understand the shift and its impact on the people of Kalash The research focuses on the vernacular architecture, the dwellings and the architecture, and seeing how it has evolved over the period of time responding to the cultural values, resources, climatic change and the surrounding context. In addition to this, to see how architecture can play a role in policy making so that there is a controlled interaction between the tourists and the locals. By providing such a space, it will allow exposure of the fact that their culture is in a declining state and we need to preserve it, the culture and the people. In addition to that it would promote sustainable growth, establish a link between old and the present, study of traditional spaces, vernacular architecture, materiality and the building techniques, and accommodation of tourists in local, nature intensive zone.