Conference at 6 PM by Dr Abdul Hameed. Associate professor, department of archaeology, University of Hazara, Mansehra, Pakistan. From September 2024 to June 2025 is a research fellow at the Paris Institute for Advanced Study, at at Maison de l’Asie, 22 avenue du président Wilson, 75016 PARIS.

The Chitral valley, due to its mountainous terrain and isolated position in between the Hindukush and Himalayas, still preserves many native cultures and traditions including the Kho and Kalasha. Most of the sub-valleys in the Upper and Lower districts of Chitral consist of complex topographical features limiting archaeological research in the region despite of substantial potential. However, recent archaeological investigations by Hazara University (Mansehra) have brought to light ample material evidence of the past. The present lecture focuses on new discoveries from Gankorinio-tek in Singoor (Lower Chitral). Systematic excavations at this cemetery site in 2021 unearthed important biological and archaeological remains. Based on radiocarbon dating, the earliest burials have been placed to 910-817 BCE. Analysis of the newly discovered remains helps us understand various aspects of the Iron age population including their funerary rituals, social stratification and dietary pattern. Apart from the cemeteries, the Iron age in Chitral valley is also confirmed by newly explored rock carvings from Upper Chitral.