Turbat
Turbat (تربت Devanagari: तुर्बत ) is a city located in southern Balochistan, Pakistan, serving as the administrative center of Kech District. Situated along the banks of the Kech River (کیچ کئور), Turbat was historically the capital of the State of Makran. It ranks as the second-largest city in Balochistan after Quetta and is the 38th largest city in Pakistan, being the largest in the southern region of the province. The Gwadar Port is located approximately 180 kilometers southwest of Turbat.
Turbat
तुर्बत تربت | |
|---|---|
City | |
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| Coordinates: 26°0′15″N 63°3′38″E / 26.00417°N 63.06056°ECoordinates: 26°0′15″N 63°3′38″E / 26.00417°N 63.06056°E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province | Balochistan |
| District | Kech District |
| Tehsil | Turbat Tehsil |
| Area | |
| • City | 420 km2 (160 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 129 m (423 ft) |
| Population | |
| • City | 268,625 |
| • Rank | 38th in Pakistan; 2nd in Balochistan |
| • Density | 640/km2 (1,700/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| Number of Union councils | 1 |
HistoryEdit
In the 12th century, Turbat and its surrounding areas, including Iranian Makkuran, were ruled by Prince Punnu (Mir Dosthein) and his family, including his father and uncle, Prince Aali Khan and Prince Khosag Khan. Subsequently, the Gichki tribes of Makran and the Buledi tribe governed the area about 400 years ago. Turbat served as the headquarters of the Makran State, where the Nawab resided in Shahi Tump near Turbat. After the dissolution of the Makran State, Turbat remained a Division Headquarters. The name "Turbat" translates to "place or land of lovers," and the city is home to various historical sites and associated legends.
OverviewEdit
Turbat is positioned in southern Balochistan on the left bank of the Kech River, which is a tributary of the Dasht River (دشت کئور). The town is surrounded by the Makran Range (مکُران بند) to the north and east, descending towards coastal plains in the south. Turbat serves as a marketplace for dates cultivated in the region and hosts a date-processing factory. In addition to dates, crops such as jowar (sorghum), barley, wheat, and rice are grown, alongside livestock farming.
Koh-e-Murad (كوه مراد), a shrine located in Turbat, is a sacred site for Zikris, who believe that Mahdi, the 12th Imam, prayed there for an extended period. Followers of the Zikri sect gather annually on the night of the 27th Ramadan for a ritual visit (Arabic: زيارة, Balochi: زيارت) to this shrine. Turbat is also known for its multilingual singers.
The city holds a significant place in Baloch folklore and literature, being the home of Punnu, the central figure in the romance of Sassi Punnun. The remains of Punnu's fort can still be found in Turbat. Atta Shad, a prominent Balochi poet, was born in Singanisar, a town within Turbat. He made significant contributions to both Balochi and Urdu poetry, with four published books to his name. He passed away on February 13, 1998, in Quetta.
Turbat is also known as the birthplace of Qadir Bukhsh Rind Baloch, alias Kadu Makrani, a 19th-century figure who became an insurgent in Kathiawar, Gujarat, and was martyred in 1887. His grave in Mewa Shah Graveyard (Lyari) has become a site of inspiration.
Koh-e-Imam Lake is a revered location, with its mountainous range extending 15–25 km from main Kech (Turbat) City. The area features numerous picnic spots and natural water reservoirs, particularly during the rainy season. Koh-e-Imam is also home to centuries-old tombs known as DAMD in Balochi, whose origins remain a mystery.
Despite its cultural richness, Turbat faces challenges related to separatist insurgent groups active against Pakistani armed forces and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The city has experienced violence against non-local individuals, particularly those involved in business or government work. Security measures include multiple military checkpoints due to these issues, although the situation has improved recently.
Turbat’s strategic significance is underscored by its proximity to Gwadar Port, located 180 km away, which is connected by a newly developed highway under the CPEC project. The city features an international airport with flights to Gulf states like Oman, the UAE, and Qatar. While not coastal, Turbat hosts a newly constructed Pakistan Navy base camp, which is anticipated to evolve into a major air base supporting Karachi. To the extreme south, Turbat connects with the coastal city of Pasni, part of the Gwadar District. The city also shares a border with Iran, 120 km away, allowing local residents visa-free entry due to familial ties across the border. Diesel smuggling from Iran remains a significant source of income for the town, and Iranian products dominate the local market, supported by a power line that supplies electricity to Turbat from Iran.
EducationEdit
 | This section does not cite any sources. (May 2020) |
University:
Colleges:
- Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Girls Cadet College
- Makran Medical College
- Government Atta Shad Degree College
- Government Girls Degree College
- Balochistan Residential College
Government Schools:
Private Schools:
DemographicsEdit
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 27,671[2] | — |
| 1981 | 52,337[2] | +89.1% |
| 1998 | 68,603[2] | +31.1% |
| 2017 | 213,831[2] | +211.7% |