The link between these villages extends beyond their geographical proximity, tracing back to the inter-regional trade that flourished between the 1930s and 1950s—this period marked a vibrant era of commerce within Ladakh before geopolitical shifts in the 1950s closed the borders with China and Tibet, severely impacting trade routes. Central to this trade were dried apricots, a staple commodity from Kargil and Baltistan.
My research, including recent findings, underscores the significance of dried apricots in the region’s trade practices. These fruits, particularly the premium quality apricots known locally as “Phading”, played a pivotal role in bartering for goods like dairy, wool, and pashmina, essential to the communities living in the southeastern and western parts of Ladakh and West Tibet. The Balti and Dard communities, residing in Turtuk and near Kargil, respectively, are renowned for cultivating these high-quality apricots. They would transport them on donkeys to trade with the Changpa and other nomadic tribes in treeless, high-altitude plateaus, exchanging them for wool, pashmina, salt, and other necessities.
Moreover, the cultural significance of apricots extends into local traditions, such as in the Balti culture during Eid. A unique tradition in Tuttuk involves the preparation of “Phading Chu,” a paste made from boiling premium apricots. On Eid, following Ramadan, this apricot paste is distributed by the Maulvi to children, who bring it home as a cherished element of the festival. It becomes a centrepiece in the Eid feast, symbolizing the region’s communal sharing and cultural identity. This practice, specific to the Balti culture, showcases how apricots are not just a trade commodity but a vital part of cultural celebrations, setting this region apart.