Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized the launch event for Bashir Sadozai’s travelogue “Koh e Qaf ki Chotiyyan” in Haseena Moin Hall. The event, presided over by Prof. Sahar Ansari, featured notable figures such as Farast Rizvi, Ikhlaq Ahmed, Dr Nuzhat Abassi, Khalid Moin, Syed Shuja Abbas, Tayyaba Mateen, and Bashir Sadozai, who shared their perspectives. Raheela Firdous performed the duties of Moderator. As keynote speaker, Prof. Sahar Ansari emphasized the significance of Bashir Sadozai’s book, highlighting its role as a valuable source of information about the regions that saw little documentation, especially after the separation of Muslim states from Russia.
Azerbaijan, being one such region, is vividly portrayed in Sadozai’s detailed travelogue. Prof. Sahar Ansari commended the historical depth of the book, expressing the importance of understanding the experiences gained from travel. Azerbaijan, having gained independence in December 1991, holds a special place in history, and Sadozai’s meticulous exploration of its literature, culture, attire, and cuisine adds a valuable perspective.
He lauded the memory of the Sadozoi while writing such historical book. Farast Rizvi, an expert critic, praised the travelogue, emphasizing that it goes beyond a mere narrative, capturing the essence of the traveler’s mental journey. He added that Bashir Sadozai’s travelogue, “Koh e Qaf ki Chotiyyan”,” stands as a shining example among Urdu travelogues. His narrative aligns seamlessly with the literary and artistic demands of modern Urdu travel literature. It is a vibrant travelogue, vividly depicting his observations and experiences in Baku, Azerbaijan, adorned with detailed descriptions and historical embellishments. Ikhlaq Ahmad highlighted the distinctive aspect of Sadozai’s travel book
He highlighted that the flaw in this travelogue is that it deviates from the traditional narrative structure, where a beautiful heroine is expected to appear after every 20 pages, leading readers to anticipate a recurring pattern. At every step, the author reminisces about Pakistan, recalls memories of Kashmir, and reflects on the significance of motherhood. The author contends that when a person visits another country, they often ponder why their own country did not achieve similar development.
The skill of navigating between fact and fiction lies in the hands of the writer, and it appears that Bashir Sadozai has skillfully walked on the wet sands of reality, touched by a few waves of the fiction. Khalid Moin emphasized the literary qualities in the book, stating that it transcends a typical travelogue, immersing readers in the beauty and culture of Baku.
