From Ancient Saidpur Village to Stunning Islamabad Capital

 

Discover the heartfelt journey of Saidpur Village, a 500-year-old gem that blossomed into Islamabad—one of the world's most beautiful capitals nestled in Margalla Hills.

From Humble Roots to Eternal Bloom: The Tale of Saidpur and Islamabad

In the gentle embrace of the Margalla Hills, more than five centuries ago, a humble village stirred to life. Founded around 1530 by Mirza Fateh Ali, it was first known as Fatehpur Baoli, a quiet haven where families tilled the earth and shared stories under starry skies. But fate wove a richer tapestry when Sultan Said Khan, son of the mighty Gakhar chief Sultan Sarang Khan, lent his name to the settlement. Saidpur became a bridge between worlds—during the Mughal era, Said Khan offered his daughter in marriage to Prince Saleem, who would ascend as Emperor Jahangir, infusing the village with royal grace and cultural depth.

Through the ages, Saidpur thrived as a mosaic of faiths and traditions. Under Emperor Akbar's governor Raja Man Singh, it blossomed into a sanctuary for Hindu worship, with sacred ponds like Rama Kunda, Sita Kunda, and Lakshman Kunda shimmering like jewels. Temples rose alongside mosques and later Sikh gurdwaras, where villagers of diverse beliefs gathered in harmony, their laughter echoing against the hills. Potters shaped clay into art, farmers harvested bounties, and the village pulsed with a resilient spirit, weathering empires and eras with quiet dignity.

Then came the winds of change in the 1960s. Pakistan, a young nation forging its identity, dreamed of a new capital to replace Karachi—one that symbolized progress, unity, and peace. Under President Ayub Khan's vision and the masterful planning of Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis, the vast plains were transformed into Islamabad, a city designed with wide boulevards, verdant parks, and zones for every facet of life. Rather than erasing the past, the builders embraced it: Saidpur, with its ancient charm, was lovingly preserved and integrated into the heart of the capital. In 2006, the Capital Development Authority remodeled it as an "Arts and Crafts Village," turning its historic lanes into a living museum where artisans still craft pottery, and visitors wander amid echoes of Mughal grandeur.

Today, Islamabad stands as a testament to that heartfelt evolution—a serene metropolis where modern skyscrapers dance with nature's embrace. Nestled against lush hills, its tree-lined streets, crystal-clear air, and thoughtful urban design have earned it acclaim as one of the world's most beautiful capitals, often ranked second only to Washington, D.C., surpassing even Paris in some eyes for its tranquil greenery and harmonious blend of old and new. But at its core beats the soul of Saidpur, a reminder that true beauty blooms from roots of resilience, where a simple village's enduring warmth illuminated a nation's brightest future. In every sunrise over the Faisal Mosque or stroll through Daman-e-Koh, one feels the profound love story of a place that thrived not despite change, but through it.