Peshawar, Provincial capital in northwestern Pakistan.
The city serves as capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and sits in a valley near the Afghan border, roughly 30 miles from the western frontier. Mountains frame the settlement on several sides, while roads thread through dense older neighborhoods and newer outskirts that spread along major transport routes.
The settlement began over 2000 years ago and became the Kushan Empire's winter capital in the first century under King Kanishka. Later dynasties controlled the area, and the Mughals made it a major trade hub between South and Central Asia during the 16th century.
Market vendors and tea house visitors gather daily in the covered bazaars, where Pashto and Urdu echo through narrow lanes. Most families follow Muslim customs, and prayer calls shape the rhythm of city life, while local craftsmen still practice traditional skills like copperwork and carpet weaving.
Heat peaks over 40 degrees Celsius during the hottest months, while winter can drop to 4 degrees, so spring and autumn offer the most comfortable visiting conditions. Streets can grow crowded during rush hours, so allow extra time for travel within the old town area.
An ancient Buddhist learning center once housed a towering stupa that held relics of the Buddha, among the tallest structures of its era. Archaeological traces of this period remain visible at nearby excavation sites, though the original structure has long vanished.
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