User:SydtheSquid16/Derawar Fort/Bibliography

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Outline of proposed changes
History

The Cholistan Desert comprises the western region of the Thar Desert in modern Pakistan, where archaeological evidence is present that the area was once inhabited by an Indus Valley culture. This culture once used the Hakra River to support their agricultural lifestyle. Although the river changed its flow, and the environment is now inhabitable, there remains evidence of up to a dozen fort structures. Derawar Fort is the best surviving structure of the remaining ruins.

Derawar Fort was eventually taken over by the British and was used to house prisoners, as well as hang unlucky inmates.

Structure

Each bastion is intricately decorated with patterns cut into the brick. The interior provides evidence of structures decorated with tile and fresco artwork.

Derawar is just one example of the wide variety of forms derived from square brick. These particular forms date back to between the 16th and 18th centuries, though some renovations date as early as the 9th century.

Renovation

Despite renovation, the site faces extreme deterioration and neglect. Though the outside structure serves as an important example of history and landscape, the interior is falling apart due to severe weather conditions and disrespectful visitors and tourists. The woodwork is almost completely gone, along with the interior floor deteriorating to shambles.

Visiting Derawar

The trip to Derawar is a full day excursion requiring a three to four hour four-wheel drive led by local guides. In order to access the interior of Derawar, it requires permission from the Abbasi Family, as it is privately owned.

Each year a jeep rally is held in the Cholistan Desert that is attended by people from all over the world. Due to its popularity, it is estimated to be visited by more than 70,000 people. The rally passes through three districts in the desert.

UNESCO Tentative List

Derawar and the Desert Forts of Cholistan was submitted by the Pakistan Government in 2016 to be considered as a World Heritage Site. The structures are reminiscent of ancient stops during trading routes in a desert largely lacking water. Derawar especially allowed access to water, while providing defense and shelter. The site is important due to its role in identifying political and social factors relating to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India trading routes.

Derawar is being considered under criterion (iii) which has to do with providing an important example of infrastructure designed to meet the environmental circumstances of the hostile desert while providing insight into ancient trade and culture, as well criterion (v) that claims Derawar is an exceptional example of the interaction of architecture with the limited environmental resources.