“Man is the storytelling animal, the only creature on earth that told itself stories to understand what kind of creature it was. The story was his birthright, and nobody could take it away.”
When spring-time flushes the desert grass,
Our kafilas wind through the Khyber Pass.
Lean are the camels but fat the frails,
Light are the purses but heavy the bales,
As the snowbound trade of the North comes down
To the market-square of Peshawur town.
~Rudyard Kipling (The Ballad of the King's Jest)
“The Afghan migration to the city of Peshawar has completely changed the character of the city. Peshawar which was regarded as ‘Khar’ (city) – a home of town dwellers engaged in trade and business – by the rurally oriented Pathans, is no longer the same today. The Pathans, or rather the Afghans have made Peshawar as their own city”
~ Dr. Ahmad Hasan Dani (Peshawar: Historic City of the Frontier)
Most enthusiasts of Pakistani and Afghan history would have, at least once in their lives, encountered the ever-celebrated ethno-culturalism or code (or should I say "cult") of Pashtunwali—a code built on principles of hospitality, self-respect, honour, and unwavering resilience. This code has been deeply embedded in the socio-political movements of Pakhtunkhwa (historically a part of different empires—see our second article), especially during Bacha Khan and the Red Caps' struggle for independence. To this day, it continues to thrive in Pashtun households, irrespective of their individual social stature.
However, another lesser-known but co-existing modus operandi, practiced by the indigenous Peshawaris—"The Peshoris"—exists. Colloquially referred to as "Peshoritop/Peshoripan", this Hindko term translates to "The Peshori-ism" or "The very being of a Peshori." It embodies four key principles that define the unique identity of Peshawaris:
- Storytelling (Qissa Khwani) – The Art of Anecdote Unraveling
Perhaps the most defining trait of a true Peshori is the art of storytelling. This tradition is so central to Peshawari culture that there is literally a bazaar named after it—Qissa Khwani Bazaar (The Street of Storytellers). Here, while sipping the magic green potion of kahwa in kahwakhanas, locals narrate anecdotes of all sorts—often infused with elements of fiction, embellishment, and exaggerated claims.
While Pakhtunwali is the more widely recognised code of conduct in the region, Peshoritop remains an enduring, lesser-known, but equally rich tradition that continues to define Peshawar’s indigenous people
As the late historian and professor Fidaullah Sehrai once remarked, “In villages, hujras are prevalent, whereas here, amid Peshawaris, qahwa khanas (tea houses) are more common.” A chappal cobbler in a baithak (guest room) can take you through Wall Street and the stock market in the blink of an eye, while an ordinary merchant will narrate tales of legendary wars as though he were a direct descendant of Alexander the Great.
Interestingly, Peshawari storytelling is characterised by its trivial and often exaggerated information. This is why the term "Dil Peshori" (literally "heart-pleasing") is widely used in colloquial and national discourse—it originates from the sheer delight derived from such exaggerated storytelling. If a Peshori lacks the gift of narration, he isn’t considered a true Peshori.
- Hospitality (Mizmana da Khayal)
Hospitality is the backbone of Peshoritop. The baithaks (gathering spaces) remain open to guests, sometimes for weeks on end. Peshori weddings, in particular, are a prime example of this hospitality—a tradition likely inherited from the region’s former Hindu-majority population. Unlike their neighbouring regions, which generally conduct single-day ceremonies, Peshori weddings stretch out over several weeks. The hosts cater to guests with unmatched generosity, ensuring their comfort and contentment.
Speaking of hospitality, as Shah Rukh Khan (who himself is an ancestral Peshori) once said about Peshawari hosts: if a guest likes something at a host’s place, it gets delivered to their house before they even return. This spirit of giving extends beyond individual gestures; among the Peshawaris, Sadda/Dain is a centuries-old tradition where food and gifts are exchanged between in-laws on Eids, Shab-e-Barat, and other festive occasions. Even today, Peshawari households uphold this culture of open doors and endless feasting, reflecting their deeply ingrained sense of mizmana da khayal (taking care of guests).
- Self-Esteem and Ghairat – The Peshori Sense of Honour
Peshawaris are famously sentimental when it comes to protocols and traditions surrounding hospitality. One of their most peculiar traits is their tendency to take offense at the slightest social faux pas. For instance, if a host does not repeatedly ask a guest whether they ate well or were comfortable, it may be considered offensive—no matter how trivial it may seem to outsiders. Or during fat peshori weddings, ‘honour’ is depicted for the elders of the bride’s and groom’s family by gifting and conferring “chaddar (s)” (veil) upon each other.
A typical Peshori elder is often described as "Lash Pash" (Hindko: composed and dignified), sporting a karakul cap, a waistcoat from Chitrali Bazaar, and the iconic Peshawari chappals.
Contrary to perceptions about the region, Peshawaris have historically been women-abiding citizens. Unlike Pashtun tribal areas, where patriarchal structures dominate, Peshawari households often entrust women with major decision-making roles. The wife is frequently the de facto leader of household affairs, a contrast to many surrounding regions. Above all, family honour is sacrosanct—a value ingrained in every Peshawari’s psyche.
- The Hyper-Social Fabric – Extended Families & Community Bonds
A Peshori’s family tree isn’t limited to direct bloodline followers. Instead, anyone who shares a great-grandparent can be called a cousin. Grand-uncles and grand-aunts are commonly referred to as grandparents, while distant relatives and neighbours become integral members of the household. This extended family culture fosters a tight-knit community where responsibilities, celebrations, and even disputes are shared among a vast network of people.
Moreover, Peshawaris have a unique take on the traditional "Jirga" system. Unlike the Pashtun tribal Jirga, which consists of village heads or tribal chiefs, a Peshori Jirga involves extended family members—sometimes even neighbours—who act as arbitrators and adjudicators in conflict resolution. This distinct communal approach strengthens their hyper-social framework, where everyone is connected, and no one is truly an outsider.
Peshoritop is more than just a cultural identity—it is a way of life. From the legendary Qissa Khwani storytelling to the grand hospitality, from deep-rooted self-esteem to an intricate social fabric, being a Peshori is an experience in itself. While Pakhtunwali is the more widely recognised code of conduct in the region, Peshoritop remains an enduring, lesser-known, but equally rich tradition that continues to define Peshawar’s indigenous people.
For a city steeped in history, the true essence of Peshawar lies not just in its landmarks, but in the lives, values, and stories of its people—the Peshoris.