Mahtar of Chitral's Fort

Pakistan, Pakistan

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Mahtar (also spelled Mehtar) of Chitral’s Fort, commonly called Chitral Fort or Chitral Palace, is a fortified residence and historic palace in Chitral town, Khyber Pakhtree Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, located on the right bank of the Chitral River next to the Shahi Mosque.

Although some local sources claim an earlier 14th-century foundation, the main fort structure is generally dated to 1774, built during the reign of Mohtaram Shah Katur II of the Katoor dynasty, and it was later restored and expanded in 1911 by His Highness Shuja ul-Mulk, one of Chitral’s most powerful Mehtars.

The fort is a commanding stone and masonry complex with outer walls thought to be over 250 years old and internal buildings around 100 years old, arranged around courtyards that once housed the barracks of the Mehtar’s guards, the royal court (Durbar Hall), living quarters, an office, and a mosque.

The palace played a central role in the famous 1895 siege of Chitral, when local rival chiefs and the ruler of Dir and Bajaur, Umra Khan, attacked and tried to capture the fort, which was then defended by a British garrison led by Major George Robertson until reinforcements under Colonel Kelly arrived and forced the attackers to withdraw.