Matiari

Matiari is one of the oldest parts of Sindh, with its own cultural values. The district shares in Sindh’s historical upheavals, and has been ruled and controlled by the different dynasties that controlled most of Sindh. Originally, the city was known as Chang village, named as such for the Chang tribe. During the time of Taimur Lung (Tamerlane, 1336-1405 AD), the Syeds arrived from Bukhara (Iran) and settled in the region. One of the leaders of the Syed tribes, a Sufi saint Syed Meyoon Haji placed some muts (pots with drinking water) outside his residence, so the passersby could drink water from these pots. Over time, people began to refer to the Chang village as Mut Waree or the place where muts are kept, which then became Matiari.

Hala town is said to have been founded in 1800 AD, when old Hala—located about 2.5 km to the West of present day Hala—was threatened with encroachment by the meandering of River Indus. The new city was founded by Makhdoom Mir Muhammad who called it Murtizabad. Due to its proximity to the old Hala town, this new settlement took the name of Hala. Among the historical heritage of Hala are 2 tombs and a Masjid.

These tombs have been constructed in honour of a reputed Muslim Saint known as Makhdoom Nuh. A fair is held twice a year in March and October to pay homage to this saint. The mosque to the North of the tomb was built by Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur and the other buildings in connection with this shrine were built in 1810 by Makhdoom Pinio Ladho. Hala is famous for its glazed pottery. 3 kms from Hala is the old town of Khudabad which once rivalled Hyderabad in size and population, and which was once the favourite residence of the Talpur Chiefs of Sindh. Remains of several of the residences of the chiefs can still be seen. Of these, the tomb of Fateh Ali Khan Talpur is important.

Many of the famous Saints of Sindh were born at Matiari, due to which Matiari is sometimes also known as the city of saints. Saints associated with Matiari include Syed Abdul Kareem Shah of Bulri, Syed Abdul Latif Shah (Shah Latif Bhitai), Syed Pir Ruknudin Shah, Syed Pir Hashim Shah, Syed Shahmeer Shah, and Muhammad Raheem Qazi (first known martyr of the Khilafat movement of the early 1900s).

Bhit Shah, a small village about 6 kms East of Hala, is the home of Shah Abdul Latif, the great poet, Sufi saint and teacher of Islamic ideology, who lived and died in the village. His tomb is now in Bhit Shah. Built in 1167, the tomb is made of pucca bricks (burnt bricks) on stone foundation, and decorated with glazed tiles. Two more tombs of Pirs are also located near this tomb. An annual fair is held in the month of Safar (the second month of the Islamic Calendar) which lasts 3 days, and attracts thousands of people. Since Independence, a Sindh Adabi Conference is held during the fair as well. A beautiful Rest House, a cultural center, and a museum have also been constructed at Bhit Shah.

District Matiari was notified as a district on 4 April 2005, after being separated from Hyderabad district.