The Impact of Urbanization on Indigenous Cultural Practices in Hazara Division: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This research investigated how urbanization impact on indigenous cultural practices within the Hazara Division by studying the areas of Haripur along with Mansehra and Abbottabad districts.
This study employed qualitative research methods combined with phenomenological research design, Data were collected from 50 participants using semi-structured interview and focus group discussion methods with indigenous members along with cultural practitioners and local elders. purposive sampling was employed specifically to obtain interview participants who experienced cultural change. All participants provided their consent to participate in the interviews as part of ensuring both ethical standards and voluntary willingness. This study used Braun and Clarke’s six-step model for thematic analysis to assess the collected data, the study shows urbanization reduces cultural transfer from one generation to the next which results in language changes as well as changes to social celebrations and traditional customs. No improvement has been observed in the number of Hindko speakers while external control of cultural activities together with weak cultural transmission patterns continue as additional hurdles. The indigenous people protect their heritage by organizing cultural events each year while putting focus on native language restoration and spreading indigenous cultural knowledge among their communities. Native heritage content must be included throughout the local school curriculum to increase cultural knowledge of younger populations and Community members should actively support policies which secure funds for indigenous heritage preservation projects.