Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Jun 10: Tulail Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has preserved Kashmir’s centuries-old heritage of wooden houses. Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes, Tulail Valley – the sub-valley of Gurez Valley – stands a testament to the enduring allure of traditional architecture and also highlights the enchanting craftsmanship of skilled carpenters.
With a legacy that spans generations, the tradition of constructing wooden houses in Tulail Valley has stood the test of time. Here, the prevailing climatic conditions and the region’s modest lifestyle have shaped a deep reverence for these unique structures. In a world dominated by concrete and steel, the residents of the valley remain steadfast in their commitment to wooden homes.
Shielded by majestic mountains, around ninety percent of Tulail Valley’s houses are meticulously crafted using timber and mud, with tin sheet roofs crowning these architectural gems. Amidst the abundance of modern construction materials, the people of Tulail continue to value the unmatched charm and practicality offered by wooden dwellings.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Muhammad Ismaeel, a resident of Tulail Valley, spoke about the “remarkable resilience” of these houses. He said, “With an average snowfall of seven feet during winter, the sturdy wooden structures prove their mettle, offering a haven of warmth and protection against the harsh elements. Skilled carpenters employ age-old techniques to intricately join the wooden beams, while a layer of mud on the interior walls provides natural insulation, keeping the interiors cool in summer and cozy in winter.”
Beyond their functional benefits, the wooden houses of Tulail Valley hold a deep cultural significance. They embrace the coexistence of humans and nature, with space reserved within the homes for the presence of wild bulls that roam the Gurez region, Ismaeel added.
He further said that this unique arrangement not only adds to the warmth within the houses but also contributes to the valley’s distinctive character. Moreover, the houses are intentionally spaced apart, mitigating the risk of fire incidents, with the hearth areas thoughtfully protected using mud.
However, in the heart of Gurez Valley, the landscape is transforming, giving way to the allure of modernity. Dawar, once an epitome of traditional architecture, is witnessing a shift towards concrete constructions, risking the loss of its cultural heritage.
Muhammad Ayub, an octogenarian from Dawar, lamented the “diminishing connection with ancestral roots” and urges the community to safeguard the valley’s natural beauty.
Ayub emphasized the importance of striking a balance between progress and preservation, to ensure that the legacy of wooden houses endures for future generations to cherish.
“Tulail Valley stands as a bastion of tradition, embracing its rich cultural heritage amid a changing world,” Bashir Ahmad, a local said, adding that as Gurez Valley grapples with rapid urbanization, Tulail Valley remains “a sanctuary where the spirit of craftsmanship and reverence for nature converge”.
He further said that these wooden houses embody the essence of Tulail Valley, capturing the imagination of visitors who are drawn to their timeless beauty—(KNO)
