The Old Christian Cemetery, also known as Tehkal Cemetery, Gora Qabristan, or White people's cemetery, is a cemetery situated in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It dates from Victoria era times.[1][2]
History
editThe Tehkal Cemetery, established in 1851, is at the Khyber Pass entrance.[3] The cemetery, shaded by historic peepal, sheesham, and palm trees, contains marble crosses and diverse headstones that trace the city's history, notably highlighting British influence and losses in the region.[3] It's also distinguished by a backdrop of the Khyber Hills and has evolved into a tourist destination, recognized in various travel guides.[3]
The cemetery reflects a diverse demographic that has contributed to the region's history, including British soldiers, civil administrators, and their families, along with businessmen, health professionals, and clergy.[3]
It is a repository of historical records pertaining to the Anglo-Afghan conflict.[4] This is evidenced through the various tombstones of British men, women, and children who attempted to extend British control into Kabul.[4]
A significant tombstone belongs to Robert Warburton, a member of the Bengal Artillery, who was captured during the Afghan campaign and held at the Ghilzai Fort.[4] During this period, he formed a relationship with Shahjehan Begum, the divorced niece of the Amir of Afghanistan.[4] The couple later married and had two sons, including Robert Warburton.[4]
Folklore
editDespite its historical richness, the cemetery is often associated with an apocryphal tale of a humorous epitaph ascribed to a "Captain Ernest Bloomfield," supposedly killed by his orderly in 1879.[3] This tale, although frequently refuted by experts, has been perpetuated for over a century.[3]
In reality, such incident happened with Isidore Loewenthal, a missionary mistakenly shot by his watchman.[3] His tombstone bears no humorous message, instead, it commemorates his contributions, such as translating the New Testament into Pushto.[3] As this fable persists, the true histories and contributions of individuals interred here, like Loewenthal, risk being overshadowed by this mythical story.[3]
References
edit- ^ "A trip to the Christian Cemetery (Gora Qabristan) – Peshawar". My Random Ramblings. 2013-06-30. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
- ^ "Encroaching history: Gravely important – even in death". The Express Tribune. 2014-03-17. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "The epitaph that never was – Footloose". The News International.
- ^ a b c d e Miraj, Muhammad Hassan (February 18, 2013). "Jahandad and Warburton". DAWN.COM.