By FAQIR ULLAH KHAN-GHULAM KADIR

INTRODUCTION

The first Jamatkhana of Shatmerg (also Shetmerg), Chipurson (also Chapursan, Choporson, Chuparsin), was far more than a physical structure. For almost half a century, it served as a holy place of worship, a centre of community life, and a repository of collective memories. Its story reflects the faith, craftsmanship, sacrifice, resilience and unity of the generations who built, maintained and cherished it. Today, following the seismic events of 2026, its physical existence is coming to an end. Yet its history, spiritual significance and memories deserve to be preserved for generations to come.

ORIGINS AND ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

The community built the First Jamatkhana at Shatmerg, Chipurson, during 1978–79, with the skilled masonry of Ustad Sumbul Shah of Gulmit. The construction took about two years and reflected a remarkable collective effort at a time when the community had limited financial resources, construction facilities, and modern tools. The Shatmerg Jamatkhana’s architectural style belonged to an earlier regional tradition. According to local historical accounts, similar architectural models and designs were used in different parts of Gojal–Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Chitral from the early 1960s. The architect and craftsman associated with this tradition is remembered as Gohar Shah, popularly known as “Commanding” (Kamanoo), from Raminj/Khudabad, who was regarded locally as one of the highly skilled craftsmen of his time.

The Shatmerg Jamatkhana thus represented not an isolated architectural undertaking, but a continuation of a distinctive mountain-community building tradition, adapted to local materials, craftsmanship and environmental conditions.

A BUILDING OF STONE, MUD, WOOD AND COLOUR

The Jamatkhana was built with carefully prepared, polished stone and mud, demonstrating the period’s traditional building knowledge. Its wooden structure included horizontally arranged roof elements, while the building featured four large carved windows on the northern, southern and eastern sides. Two smaller windows were positioned higher on the western wall.

The Jamatkhana had two main doors and a smaller entrance gate opening toward the outer lawn. The spaces between the bricks were carefully finished with cement, adding strength and refinement to the masonry.

One of the most distinctive architectural features was a small corridor supported by two large pillars on the north and south sides. Its wooden side wall, locally known in Wakhi as Shantra, featured unique crossed patterns that reflected the period’s craftsmanship. The windows featured colourful glass in distinctive combinations of red, blue, white, green, and yellow, giving the interior and exterior an especially attractive appearance in natural light. These details made the Jamatkhana not only a place of worship but also a beautiful example of traditional community craftsmanship.

THE WATER WELL OF THE OLD ROUTE

Ustad Sumbul Shah’s contribution extended beyond the Jamatkhana. Along the link road, near the old route, he also constructed a water well for travellers. The well still exists today, though it is rarely used. It stands as another modest but meaningful reminder of an era when community infrastructure was created through the skills and service of local craftsmen for the benefit of travellers and residents alike.

A SACRED PLACE BETWEEN TWO HISTORIC SETTLEMENTS

The Jamatkhana occupied a distinctive position on the hillside — known locally in Wakhi as Qeer — between the historic settlements of Kumpirdior (“Old Woman Village”) and Shatmerg (“Soil of the Himalayan Ibex”). Its location was remarkable both geographically and spiritually.

For the people of both communities, it served as a holy place of worship and gathering. Its elevated setting, surrounding mountains and natural landscape gave the site an exceptional sense of beauty and serenity.

For generations, people approached the Jamatkhana not simply as a building, but as a place connected with faith, worship, community, memory and belonging.

A TRUE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Over the decades, the area around the Jamatkhana became a genuine community centre. Alongside the Jamatkhana were facilities and spaces that served different aspects of community life, including: Langar (community kitchen); Library; Women’s Vocational Centre; Scouts Office; Girls Guides Office; Old Prayer Hall; Graveyard; LGS Religious Education Centre; and a large community lawn in front of the Jamatkhana.

Together, these facilities created a place where worship, education, social service, learning, community gatherings and cultural activities could coexist. In this sense, the site truly reflected community life. It was not merely a Jamatkhana; it was a living centre of the community.

THE 2026 EARTHQUAKE: A TURNING POINT

The January 19, 2026 earthquake marked a significant turning point in the building’s history. After the earthquake, the Jamatkhana stopped being used for worship and prayer because of safety concerns, and the Jamat moved to the newly established Religious Education Centre (REC). Although the building was no longer used for regular worship, its emotional and spiritual importance remained deeply rooted in the Jamat’s hearts. Then, on August 13, 2026, another major seismic jolt caused the southern wall of the Jamatkhana, together with a window, to collapse. The resulting structural damage was significant.

Considering the safety concerns, the relevant State Office directed the community to demolish the old Jamatkhana building. Thus, a structure that had stood for nearly five decades was compelled to give way to the realities of an increasingly unstable seismic environment.

THE END OF A BUILDING BUT NOT ITS SPIRIT

The decision to demolish the building has understandably brought mixed emotions to the Jamat. For many, the building holds memories of childhood, prayers and worship, religious education, community gatherings, family occasions, celebrations, service activities, friendships, and the lives of generations who have passed through its doors.

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Its walls witnessed the changing history of Shatmerg and Kumpirdior. Its windows looked out on the same mountains generations before us had seen. Its courtyard brought people together. Its rooms became part of people’s personal and collective memories. Therefore, demolishing this building is not simply removing an old structure — it marks the physical end of an era.

FROM THE OLD JAMATKHANA TO A NEW BEGINNING

Because the Jamat’s spiritual and social needs must continue, the old building will be temporarily replaced by a canopy until a new Jamatkhana can be built in a safer, more suitable location once the valley’s seismic situation stabilizes. This transition is painful, but it also reflects collective wisdom.

SAFETY MUST COME BEFORE SENTIMENT

The community has therefore accepted the necessary change with understanding and of hope. The old Jamatkhana may no longer be physically safe, but its values, faith, unity, service, discipline, and community spirit will continue.

REMEMBERING THE BUILDERS

Perhaps the most emotional dimension of this moment is remembering the people who physically built the Jamatkhana. Many of those who participated in its construction are no longer among us. A few surviving builders and elders have witnessed the final days of the structure they helped create decades ago. For them, seeing it disappear naturally evokes deep emotions.

They built it in a time of limited facilities, minimal tools, economic hardship, and scarce resources. But they possessed something far more valuable: Faith in their hearts, discipline in their work, commitment to their community and their Imam, dedication to their responsibilities, and sincerity in their intentions. The building was therefore made not merely of stone, mud and wood. It was built with the hands, hopes, sacrifices and prayers of a generation.

A HERITAGE WORTH PRESERVING

Although the building must now be removed for safety reasons, its historical and architectural record should not be lost. It is important that every aspect of the Jamatkhana be documented, including old photographs; architectural measurements; carved wooden elements; the colourful window glass; the Shantra designs; construction techniques; names of builders and craftsmen; oral histories of elders; stories associated with the Jamatkhana; the old water well; and the wider community-centre complex.

Where possible and appropriate, a small original architectural element, such as a carved wooden piece, stone, or coloured glass, could be preserved as historical artifact. A permanent photographic or documentary record could also be created for future generations.

NATURE, RESILIENCE AND ACCEPTANCE

The 2026 seismic events have once again reminded the people of Chipurson that mountain life demands respect for nature. Earthquakes, rockfalls, landslides and other natural processes are part of the dynamic environment in which mountain communities live. We cannot always control nature. But we can learn from it.

We can build more safely. We can preserve our heritage through documentation. We can protect our people. And we can carry our traditions forward into new structures and new generations. The community’s acceptance of this transition is not a surrender to loss; it is an act of responsibility towards the future.

AN ERA ENDS, A RICH LEGACY CONTINUES

The first Jamatkhana of Shatmerg will disappear from the physical landscape. But its story will remain. We will remember the craftsmen who shaped its stones. We will remember the community members who helped build it. We will remember the elders who worshipped there. The children who grew up around it will remember it. And the generations yet to come should know that their ancestors once built a sacred community space with limited means but extraordinary faith and determination. A building may fall, but its history does not. Walls may disappear, but memories remain. Stone may return to the mountain, but we will remember the hands that shaped it. An era may end, but the community continues.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR SHATMERG

The transition from the old Jamatkhana to a new and safer place of worship should therefore be viewed as: From heritage to resilience, from memory to legacy, from an ending to a new beginning.

The Jamat has wholeheartedly accepted the need for this change, transition, and transformation in response to natural phenomena, hoping the next Jamatkhana will be built in the same spirit of faith and collective service — while incorporating lessons in modern seismic safety and resilient mountain construction.

May the sacred memories of the old Jamatkhana remain alive, and may the new Jamatkhana become a safer home for the faith, education, unity, and community spirit of generations to come.

The building ends. The era passes. The memory remains. The Jamat moves forward.

Date posted: October 26, 2026.

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About the Author: Faqir Ullah Khan-Ghulam Kadir is a dedicated educator and instructional leader with Aga Khan Education Services Pakistan (AKESP). He has taught from Early Childhood Education (ECD) through college, promoting learning and leadership among his students. As Chairman of the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board (AKYSB) and an educator with the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB), he has worked tirelessly to enhance youth and religious education. Faqir has nurtured students at Shah Karim Hostel in Gilgit and led innovative initiatives like the Mountain Folk Music Integration Program and community-based college development. His journey reflects a commitment to transformative education, global exposure, and empowering diverse, remote communities.