Chitrali bazaar, which was earlier also known as bazaar-e-husn, is a well-known market which was initially established by the chitralis in the late 1940’s.
Chitrali Bazaar, the heart of Peshawar, was once a bustling point of convergence for locals and foreigners, though the sale is comparatively decreased but tons of buyers still prefer getting handmade woolen items from Chitrali bazaar. The sale of woolen items reaches its peak in chilly winter in January. Local and non-local people swarm the shops in famous Chitrali bazaar, located close to Qissa Khawani Bazaar.
During the four month season Chitrali bazaar witnesses hustle and bustle of buyers of beautiful Chitrali items. The four famous items which are best made in Chitrali bazaar are Chitrali pakol (the traditional hat), Chugha (the embroided robe), waist coat and woolen coat. These items are not only bought by the KPK locals but are also the priority of the non-locals.
There are more than 450 shops currently in Chitrali bazaar but most of the skilled men have left Peshawar to expand their businesses. The sales in the market have now decreased due to many reasons one of them being the resultant military operations and terrorism. Although Pakistan Army have fought dauntlessly but the business in the Chitrali bazaar have collapsed as compared to the past.
Chitrali bazaar still bustles with yesteryear memories. The quality of woolen material available there cannot be seen anywhere else in Pakistan. Although, Chugha and woolen coats are also preferred by the people but
Pakol and waist coat are the first priority and are the best souvenirs for people from other provinces of Pakistan.
The items which are made here are made up of expensive clothes which include wool, polyester and cotton. The prices are now raised four times but these items are still in demand. People prefer the garb available at Chitrali Bazaar over other places because the handmade fabric is very light but durable at the same time.
Eventually, Chitrali bazaar ends up being the most famous market for buying woolen goods. People from all over the world come to buy famous handmade items. But the shopkeepers still hope for the golden era to return so the market can rise again.