Pakistan: Living tradition, modern vitality

cctv.com 10-19-2004 09:49

Pakistan is a relatively young nation. But the people within its borders have a long history... a history rich with a mosaic of influences ranging from Islamic culture to colonialism and even Buddhism. Although Pakistan is now changing in the face of modernization, its traditions remain strong and its Islamic heart is still as vital as ever.

Pakistan, Land of the Pure, was created on August the 14th in 1947 in response to Muslim demands for an Islamic state. But the history of human habitation in the Indus River Region can be traced back 5,000 years.

Islam arrived in the region in the 8th century and reached its peak during the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. The area came under British colonial rule in 1858.

Modern Pakistan is characterized by religious solidarity. More than 97% of its population are Islamic, the rest being Hindu or Christian.

Globalization is now increasing the influence of "Western culture" in Pakistan, especially in the big cities of Karachi and Islamabad. As the capital, Islamabad was built during the 1960s based on designs by Greek urban planner Constantinos A. Doxiadis. The city's architecture, like the nation as a whole, is characterized by a mix of modern and traditional designs.

There is an increasing public awareness in Pakistan about the importance of preserving its traditional culture. The splendid Shalimar Garden, built in the 16th century, was listed as a World Heritage site as early as 1981.

Traditional culture in Pakistan is not only preserved in the architecture, but also in the handicrafts. The exquisite craftsmanship and creativity of the Pakistani people is becoming increasingly appreciated all over the world and is a living part of the country's cultural legacy.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com