Voice Of  People, By The People; SAIDPUR VILLAGE

 

Saidpur hamlet, located within Islamabad, is a historic heritage site that leans on the Margalla Hills. It is one of Islamabad's and Pakistan's oldest villages. Saidpur village, which is more than 500 years old, is known for its legacy and Mughal past. It was once a place of devotion for Sikhs and Hindus during the Mughal era. The community has a diverse cultural legacy, with places of worship representing various religions. In the same neighbourhood, there is a Sufi shrine, a Hindu temple, and a gurudwara. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the ancient monuments' colourful architecture and spectacular views of the Margalla Hills.

 Saidpur village is situated on the hill road to the east of Daman-e-Koh. Saidpur Village distance is a 5 km drive away from central Islamabad city and 20 Km from Rawalpindi city. Said Pur village is one of the Best Places to Visit in Islamabad.

History Of  Saidpur Village:

Nestled in the lap of lush green Margalla Hills, Saidpur Model Village wasn’t always known by its current name. Back in the year 1530, the village was called Fatehpur Baoli after its founder Mirza Fateh Ali. Nearly 50 years later in 1580, Hindu Commander Raja Maan Singh built a temple in Saidpur. The temple housed tall brass statues of goddesses Kali and Lakshmi. Moreover, he also constructed four sacred ponds in the area named Ram Kund, Lakshman Kund, Sita Kund, and Hanuman Kund. During the Mughal era, Emperor Akbar bequeathed the village to Sultan Said Khan Ghakar for the services of his father Sultan Sarang Khan in the fight against Sultan Sher Shah Suri, the founder of short-lived Sur dynasty in the sub-continent. The village was then named Saidpur after its new owner, who later gifted it to his daughter.

 In 1609, Emperor Jahangir mentioned Saidpur village in his famous autobiography ‘Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.’ He referred to this village as a ‘place beyond Rawalpindi’ and indicated he had stayed there on his way to Kabul. He was also married to Sultan Said Khan’s daughter. Up until the years leading to the partition in 1947, Hindu devotees in the area used to gather in Saidpur to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi. In the early 20th century, a Sikh Gurdawara was built next to the temple. However, things took a drastic turn after the creation of Pakistan. As most Hindus in northern Punjab migrated to India, they also took with them their sacred statues, leaving the temple abandoned. Meanwhile, the Sikh school in Saidpur was turned into a primary school for girls.

 Development Of Saidpur:

Saidpur Village was successfully transformed into a model village in 2008. The Capital Development Authority began work in 2006 to transform Saidpur into a multicultural and historical tourist attraction under the supervision of Chairman CDA Mr. Kamra n Lashari. The French government provided technical assistance for this project, which cost Rs. 400 million in total. 

Several traditional restaurants and cafes have opened since Saidpur was transformed into a villa ge. These restaurants are popular among both locals and foreign visitors for family dinners and get-togethers.

 Furthermore, many Islamabad residents enjoy spending their evenings at this lovely location. The menu at Saidpur Village restaurant features ethnic cuisines and a scenic view of the Margalla Hills. We've compiled a list of some of the most popular restaurants in Saidpur village. Des Pardes, Dera Pakhtoon, Cafe 99, The Polo Lounge, Andaz, Tirah, Kehwah, Lahore Chatkhara Apart from recreational activities, plots for sale in Saidpur village Islamabad are also available. Despite CDA's renovation of the area, residents of Said Pur Village continue to live there. The majority of these residents commute to Islamabad for work and employment.

 With the transformation of Saidpur village to a modern village the locals also utilized the resources that came along with the modernization as the construction of roads facilities of electricity and gas made life easier for them, and women who mostly used to travel to far fledge areas to fill water and carry it back home could now access water in the comfort of their own homes.

 In a nutshell, Saidpur village combines pre-partition cultural heritage with modern day technology. Despite attracting thousands of tourists, the essence of simple village life can still be seen.

Locals Perspective On Commercialization Of Saidpur:

Azra bibi a 50 year old lives in the heart of saidpur village since her early days she got married and has been living in the same village for 30 years according to her through generations they have been living there. Commercialization of the village happened in front of her eyes from the initial times. On describing the pre commercialization period she referred to the atmosphere of the village as authentic village feels the pureness and simplicity of the villagers. Prior to commercialization they they used to look forward to gardening and planting fruits and goods the gardens take care of the lands and collected wood to burn.

The turning point for the commercialization was basically the construction of roads availability of electricity and gas (which was only provided to the locals not the commercial owners) . What good commercialization did to their coming generations is that they have more opportunities more facilities making their life easier with access to education till higher secondary level provided in the local school. But with good comes some evil the problems villagers faced on a gigantic level is too much diversity, strangers on the streets unknown faces intervention from the outsiders. Their children can’t go on the streets can’t go out to play , rents touching up the skies, hub of drugs and narcotics and there isn’t much check and balance as the village has no police station, no safety, no security and a drastic increase in population everyday comes with more chances of mishaps occurring. Yet the commercialization proves to be more beneficial providing ease to the people as they are grateful for the necessary services provided by the government which makes life for the coming generations easier and more accessible.

  A free dispensary is also located in the village for the locals with now private clinics also opening up to make health care more reachable to the villagers.

 At walking distance you’ll come across the warhouse for behbud boutique said Attiya a 33 years old who worked in the warehouse. which opened up a-lot of opportunities for young girls, gave them a chance to work sew, crochet, thread work and detailed hand work which exposed young girls and even middle aged women to work environment and a safe space to practice their skill set to it’s best capacities.

 

Gradually the village and the people who live their are accepting and are more open towards this new, a modern approach as the village doors are wide open to more facilities and opportunities and the villagers are more than ready to welcome all those facilities warmly and whole heartedly.