Built in
commemoration of Sayyed Mir Yahya, a missionary from Chinese Xinjiang, the
eponymous astana is a significant monument of the Noorbakhshi order of Shia
Sufism in Baltistan. Initiated upon the death of Sayyed Mir Yahya in 1632, the
mausoleum was reportedly constructed over a period of ten years. Astana was
built in the traditional way using stone and timber, with cribbage columns, and
embellished wooden work in both interiors and exteriors.
The tomb structure
was in an extreme state of deterioration when the local community with
technical assistance of Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan (AKCS-P) began
restoration work in 2004. The most affected part of the structure was the north-western
corner of the roof, where erosion of the earthen roof top had resulted in
settlement and collapse of the roof structure. The recovery of the structure by
the community and AKCS-P has rescued an important local religious landmark on
the brink of ruin in a modest and culturally appropriate manner. Through the
active involvement of the local residents, and drawing upon other excellent
models of community-led conservation undertaken in the Gilgit Baltistan region,
the project has itself become a notable example of successful local restoration
effort where community took the lead to initiate the process with AKCS-P
providing expertise as needed. Through
the voluntary efforts of the community and the use of traditional building techniques
to realign and stabilize the structure, the tomb has been returned to its
former status as a cultural symbol of Shigar valley.
The Astana has a total
covered area of 73 m². Restoration work on the project commenced in April 2004 and was completed in October 2006. Total cost of project was US$ 8,350 which was fully contributed by local community while
AKCS-P provided technical assistance. The project was recognized with Award of
Merit in the 2007 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards.
Source: Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan