Advent of Islam

At the end of the Mauryan period (324-185 BC), Buddhism spread in the whole Swat valley, which became a famous center of the religion.^[9] The Hindu religion expanded again as Buddhism moved east into China and Japan. By the time of the Muslim conquest (1000 AD), the population was mostly Hindu.^[9]

Capital of Swat Valley " Saidu Sharif "

Saidu Sharif Hospital Eastern Block

Main Building of Saidu sharif Hospital

Aqba Masjid

In 1023, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Swat and defeated the last Buddhist king, Raja Gira, in battle. The conquest by Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi is of special importance because he introduced Islam. In addition, he changed the way of telling time in history.^[10] The Swat region became predominantly Muslimby the force of the rulers and missionary Sufi saints, whose dargahsdot the landscape of Swat.