The Storytellers’ Market Steeped in history, Qissa Khawani Bazaar is one of Peshawar’s oldest commercial hubs. Its name means ‘Storytellers’ Market’ in Persian, because it is believed that decades ago the Bazaar’s site served as a meeting point for traders from far and wide, who would congregate at dusk to sip cups of steaming kahwa while listening to stories of adventure and romance narrated by the owners of the many tea shops that were present there.
From legends past to present variety…. While the aroma of tea continues to way throughout the narrow alleyways that characterised the Bazaar, you will now also fine a wide variety of items, such as oil lamps and samovars (tea pots), copper handicrafts, Karakulli (‘Jinnah’) caps, waistcoats and fabric, as well as electronic appliances, plastic ware and mobile phones. Don’t forget to buy pair of peshawari chappals, recently made world famous by Paul Smith. And if you are a Bollywood enthusiastic, make sure to visit the house where Raj Kapoor was born.
Salt and sizzlers… If you are a foodie, the mouth-watering aroma of chaplain kababs sizzling on over-sized tawas will entice you. Other delicious street food on offer includes kalool (red kidney beans) and qeema kebabs that should be topped with chaka (a yoghurt-mint drink), followed by hot kahva or doodh patti. A short walk away is Namak Mandi, famous for its delectable charsi tikka and tikka karhai.
The real estate take…. Commercial property here is the most expensive in Peshawar. Options include standalone shops and retail space in low rise buildings which are in high demand. Prices and rentals have increased by approximately 20% and 30% respectively in the last five years.
In a nutshell… While Qissa Khawani Bazaar may no longer be a storyteller’s market, it remain one of Peshawar’s most frequented commercial hotspots. And although the number of teashops has dwindled, the Bazaar, with its century-old buildings which are in dire need of repair, evoke a time gone by yet still remembered to this day .
By Farhana Burki