I think there is no official record available regarding naming the various chowks of Mingora city. But the masses adopted them, referring mainly to a pump or a hotel, or any other point of public service.
One day in 2002, we were sitting in my office room when a police officer entered, carrying a folder in his hand. After formal greetings, he spread a Plan, showing civil station roads and said, “we are preparing a traffic plan for Mingora city. For this end, we want information about the distance from one Chowk to the next one. It will enable the traffic police to know how much number of Wardens is required at various places.” One of my colleague pointed out that the plan did not show Allah Chowk. This combination shocked me ,and I asked him not to repeat this. The police officer said politely that in their documents this Chowk was noted as Tawheed Chowk. After disposing the office by providing him the requisite information, we started discussion on other issues.
Later I start thinking how these Chowks were named and got public usage without any official notification. The merchants adopted in their business documents and sign boards etc. Thus, giving them official status, starting from Neshat Chowk, a popular point for political gatherings and agitations. Previously it had no name.
In the late fifties, (1950s) a café was opened by Usman who was nephew of the famous hardware merchant Haji Sherzada. This café was named Neshat Café. It soon went popular, especially in the college students of its delicious foods and music. And so, the nearby chowk got its name.
Main Bazar is obviously called so as it leads to Main Bazar, the oldest business centre of the city.
Sohrab Chowk got its name from Sohrab Petrol Pump.
Haji Baba Chowk is named after a saint’s mazar.
Peoples Chowk was named after the petrol pump of Dr. Mahboobur Rehman which was signed as People Filling Station.
The bussiest Chowk is Green Chowk situated at the junction of New Road, Airport road, New Madyan Road. Here the first General Bus Stand was constructed by Shahzada Sultani Rome. It also included a hotel named Green Hotel. So, the Chowk became Green Chowk and the bus stand was popularly called Green Ada.
Taj Chowk was called so because of nearby Taj Hotel, owned by Badshah Sahib and run by two brothers Sher Bacha, Sher Bahadar.
I hope this attempt on my part will be appreciated. In the end I request that Tawheed Chowk near Swat Serena Hotel must be made popular among the masses.
Good Information..
Thanks to Hon. F.R. Shahab saib for his efforts.
Sohrab chowk was named after malik sohrab khan a prominent malik of mingora city whose petrol pump was there . He was father of bairam khan chirman mc . Nishath cafe building was of cha cha karim baksh and it was rented to usman . Today there is suvastu art gallery but that building has been preserved in old state
It is Grain chowk not green chowk, it got its name because of the grain market nearby.
Very nice and interesting historic informatin giving to public and appreciate the author Shahab sb
This is the only source where I get the best information about the history of Swat.. my birth place.. after years today I got to know the history about chowks!!
Thanks for everything
Lastly I am very disappointed with the old palaces handed over either to schools or to someone else.. remember these palaces or residences belongs to Royal family has worth!! Please raise voice for this
Regards
Khurram