Culture & Heritage

Historical Post Office in Misgar

Misgar had not long been established when the British became interested in the region, hoping to establish a defensible frontier against the advances of imperialist Russia. In 1892, the British invaded Hunza, causing Mir Safdar Ali Khan to flee over the Kilik Pass into China.Thus, Misgar became the farthest outpost of the British empire. Being also the closest outpost to Kashgar – an important site during the Great Game, when Tsarist Russia and Britain were haggling over Central Asian borders – Misgar soon became a busy junction. In 1916, the post office was built and a telegraph line to Gilgit was extended.

Mail runners carried dispatches between Misgar, Tashkurgan and Kashgar over the Mintaka Pass.

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