Development of Cross- Border Cultural Spaces to Promote Tourism: a case of Baba Chamliyal

Abstract

Baba Chamliyal, a sufi shrine situated just 250m from the India-Pakistan border in the Samba district of Jammu & Kashmir, stands as a beacon of shared culture and history. The shrine is divided between India and Pakistan where the part of shrine having body of baba lies in the Indian side and the part with the head of baba lies in Pakistan. This shrine doesn't just represent the joint cultural heritage of the two countries, but it also echoes the heartaches and memories from the time when India and Pakistan were split apart. This research delves deeply into the layers of Baba Chamliyal's history, assesses its present condition, and explores its potential as a bridge for unity and friendship. Our primary interest is to discover how the thoughtful touch of design and landscape architecture can amplify the beauty and significance of such places. By doing so, they can become not just attractions for tourists, but also symbols that sow seeds of peace and mutual respect. While borders often make headlines for tensions and conflicts, places like Baba Chamliyal tell us a different, more hopeful story. They remind us that there's a shared past and that perhaps, there can be a shared future too. One of the central aspects of our study is to shed light on the unspoken importance of sites that are witnesses to a shared heritage. Through a mix of in- depth analysis, on-ground observations, and lessons from similar sites, we aim to articulate how spaces like Baba Chamliyal can act as platforms. They can foster conversations, ease existing strains, and encourage cooperative efforts between nations that have historically been at odds. With this research we hope to underscore the often-underestimated role of cultural landmarks in mending international relations and drawing attention to the immense potential of these shared sites.