Home- From Utilitarian to Symbolic

Maryam Shah 

Starting my first blog with ‘sagam’ (traditional skylight) which is bridged to two things close to my heart, architecture, and my hometown, Gilgit-Baltistan.  

Before coming to the skylight itself, I would like to geographically orient you about the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is the northernmost mountainous region of the country, considered as one of the most important and sensitive parts of Pakistan, due to its proximity with India, China, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, all accessible through passes made in a sea of snowcapped mountains in olden times. This proximity with these regions had made migrations from different countries to the region possible, hence it presents a picture of diverse cultures, religions, and social values. Although opulent with heritage sites and natural attractions, this region is concealed in the mountains in a way that it has only seen a tourism boost in the past decade. Earlier, mostly international mountaineers used to visit. 

Gilgit Baltistan Region

The more one explores the remote villages of the region, the more one uncovers the cultural diversity. Significant architectural features and materials native to this region are seen in construction which influenced the daily life of the people. Harsh, cold, and dry winters led the people to construct compact houses with only one opening, and lack of resources led them to live in a single-roomed house, which had a single central opening in the roof. Known as sagam, som, sum, komal, or eyechan in different local languages. It was constructed with square layers of small beams laid one above another in the center of the roof. The squares are diagonally placed and reduce in size as it grows up towards the final opening. The exact location of the opening is above the hearth. The skylight was the most significant feature of the house to a degree that there was no concept of a window in the wall, isn’t a word for ‘window’ in the local languages. It has a unique rotated square geometry and it not only served as an opening for light, air, and exhaust for the smoke but also played a role in bringing the family together. 

The phrase ‘Garee ‘Tze’ in one of the native languages, Burushaski, literally translates to ‘by the hearth’ (which used to right under the skylight) but is used to connotate sitting together after a long day of work and bonding with family members. Although the houses have very much evolved with time, this phrase is still used to bring people together. 

But how did this sky become such an integral part of the daily life of the people and what is its significance now? 

Around 2000 years back in the era of Legendary Aryan king Jamshid the traditional Pamiri (mountain range in Central Asia) house was planned and designed.  According to history, the main objective was to protect his people from life-threatening cold conditions. For this purpose, architects of king Jamshid designed a simple but versatile, earthquake-proof house that was self-sufficient and self-sustained. It was a purposeful and very valuable design that even after thousands of years didn’t lose its significance and is still functional.

Traditional Pamiri House

Structure, layout, and elements of Pamiri houses were based on the number seven. Adding to the significance is that the seven elements and features of Pamiri houses are all part of Zoroastrian Heritage. This architectural style has traveled from Central Asia to this region with the migration of Pamiri people. Although some myths- like skylights being inlets for fairies and ghosts of beloved ones- remained, the architectural features lost their original religious values with time and influence of other religions, it turned into a symbolic belief that it is as a source of letting in blessings in the house because of which many important events of the family took place in the main room. 

Plan of Traditional House in Hunza Valley

The region opening up to the world brought with it opportunities for the locals to improve their living and bring comfort for themselves. With new materials and resources, bigger houses were built, improved quality of life gave access to better heating conditions in winters, thus the skylight didn’t remain as the only opening in the house. Windows were added which fulfilled the purpose of lighting up the interiors. The skylight remained but was losing its significance with time. 

Skylight in Mir's (King) Hall in Baltit Fort

Fast forward to today, with a fast-paced and comfortable life, most houses built today do not feel the need of a having the skylight because huge open windows are in. those houses which do build the central common space, only do so to symbolize the communal living and family bonds, and is rarely used. 

It remains a distinct architectural element seen in historic houses or forts. It is close to the hearts of the local people which gives them a sense of identity, belongingness, and nostalgia. Owing to multiple factors such as passing on of traditions over generations, technological advancements, economy and resources, and changing lifestyles, this skylight has come to be a rare element now. Religious associations with the skylight now remain as myths and stories in the minds of some people.