Astana of Syed Mir Muhammad in Khaplu

Astana are among the most fascinating structures in Baltistan. They are places of eternal rest for saintly persons. Built around 300 years ago by Syed Mir Muhammad's descendants, the Astana Syed Mir Muhammad is considered one of the finest in the area. Like most astana in Baltistan it is a square building topped with a conical tower. The astana has an inner square chamber enclosed by jallie (carved wooden lattice-work screens) in the Kashmiri style, with geometrically-shaped perforations.

Agha Khan Cultural Services got for the successful restoration of this shrine the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. With this photo I would like to pay tribute to the excellent wood workers of Northern Pakistan.

Excellent image.

Cheers

What an intriguing wooden tower. You've captured the detail and structure well and handled the lighting just the same Karl.

 

Fantastic !

 

Kind regards

 

Daren

 

 

... so well photographed. Stunning color residue and the patterns are extraordinary. I knew nothing of these structures before finding this shot. Your work is magnificent, Karl.