Hazara University Garden Campus Culture Museum

 The land of Hazara is fertile and prolific in talent. Geographically and historically it is of immense values. Some of the world-renowned scenic resorts are located in Hazara. It has a rich culture and tradition but unfortunately, it has been neglected and remained unexplored for a long time. The establishment of Hazara University has not only brought into limelight the hidden and latent intellectual potential but it has also been playing a major role in preserving the cultural and ethnological heritage of the region. For the purpose, two museums have been established one is at Abbottabad and the other at the campus of the university. The Museum at the campus was formally inaugurated by the honorable Governor, NWFP/ Chancellor, Hazara University, Mansehra, Owais Ahmad Ghani on February 13, 2008.

Message of Curator

Hazara University Museum is preserving the Cultural and ethnological assets of the region, in this connection, we are responsible to look in preserving of National Heritage for next generation. As a Nation, we required making struggles for the conservation of cultural heritage under the roof of museums. In order to protect the history of the ancestor archaeological, historical, cultural, and ethnological artifacts all of us are liable to donate to museums as research tools for the students of archaeology and education for the general public.

 Hazara Region

Hazara is a rich cultural and ethnic area in all over Pakistan. From Stone Age up to the present time, we feel proud to have such archaeological & historic glimpses in this land. Due to the location of Hazara on the world-famous silk route, we cannot ignore its importance. The attraction for local and international tourists also has cash due to high mountains, snowy peaks, beautiful lakes, thick forests, rivers and agriculture land.

 Hazara Culture Museum

To preserve the values of archaeological, Cultural, ethnic, and Eco-tourism for future generation for this regard with the struggle of Dr. Ihsan Ali (Ex-VC Hazara University) the department of Archaeology established a beautiful museum in University. This is a first-ever museum in Hazara, which is inaugurated by Owais Ahmad Ghani the then Chancellor of the University / Governor of the K.P.K on April 13, 2008. The museum has 4 main galleries ie. 1. Wooden objects galley, 2. Archaeological Gallery, 3 Ethnological Gallery, and 4 Owais Galley.

Wooden Objects Gallery

This gallery is located at the main entrance of the museum, consisting of large size wooden objects, like Bed, long sofa, chest boxes, pillar, prayer place, and a large and small façade. All these objects are purchased from Swat, having an excellent historical value. These objects often belong to 19th century AD.

Archaeological Gallery

This is an important gallery consisting of archaeological objects, most of these objects are belongs to Gandhara Grave Culture site of Chitral valley. Mostly grave goods are approximately 3000 to 4000 thousand years old. Some objects belong to Buddhist period which is excavated from the famous Buddhist Kandar Bedadi (some 5 km north of Hazara University). These objects are consisting of pottery and grinding stones. Some donated coins are also displayed in the same gallery belongs to a different period.

Ethnological Gallery

This gallery is one of the largest galleries consisting of cultural and ethnological objects, including wooden and metal household objects, dresses, Jewelry, musical instrument and arms are displayed. All the objects are purchased from Swat and Peshawar, which shows the artistic struggle and aesthetic sense of the artisans of past.

Owais Gallery
This gallery is ornamented with Islamic glazed pottery, which belongs to early Islamic (Samanid) period of Nishapur, while some objects belong to Ghaznavid period also. The beautiful glazed inscribed Jug, vases, plates, and bowl shows us the importance and aesthetic sense of the potters of the Nishapur. All these objects are donated by ex-Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Owais Ahmad Ghani because of his Excellency the gallery is famous with his name. Paintings and Photography The paintings belong to Buddhist events are displayed inside the museum. There are also a series of photographs displayed which are indicating the field activities of the staff and students at different sites, while some photographs show the scenic beauty of the Hazara region.

Staff of Museum

Aurangzeb Khan
Assistant Director
Email. aurangzeb@hu.edu.pk
Contact: +923338355668

Mehir Rehman Khalil
Gallery Assistant/In charge Galleries
Contact: 03129966831
Email: mehirkhalil@gmail.com