Sayed Gul Kalash

Cultures of Resistance Awardee — Pakistan

Sayed Gul Kalash works to preserve her critically endangered Kalash culture and language in a remote region of Pakistan. Her archaeological finds, museum work, and sustainable tourism efforts raise awareness for one of the oldest and most unique cultures surviving today.

Sayed Gul Kalash is a member of the indigenous community herself, works to keep traditional beliefs, language, dress, religion, art forms, and other elements of Kalash heritage alive. As a compelling representative of a culture under threat, she focuses her efforts not only on preserving the past, but also on improving the present and safeguarding the future.

As the first Kalash archaeologist and only Kalash woman trained as a scientist, Gul Kalash uses her rare skill set to instill greater appreciation for Kalash traditions within her own society, her nation, and the larger world. “I want to rekindle a sense of ownership and pride in my community, particularly among young people,” she says.

Sayed Gul Kalash received a Cultures of Resistance Award (CoR Award) in 2022 and is using the award money for a new archaelogical project called  “Connecting Rock Art and Mythology: A Case Study of Kalasha Valleys”

Follow her on Instagram here or on Facebook here to learn more about her work.

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