# Ali Masjid Fort

- **Country:** Pakistan
- **Owner:** Dost Mohammad Khan
- **Year Built:** 1837
- **Location Text:** Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Ali Masjid Fort is a historic military installation located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, strategically positioned on a high elevation above Ali Masjid. This site marks the narrowest point of the famous Khyber Pass, a critical mountain pass that has served as a gateway between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Originally constructed in 1837 under the orders of Emir Dost Muhammad Khan while the region was part of the Emirate of Afghanistan, the fort was designed to control movement through this volatile frontier. Its placement offers a commanding view of the surrounding terrain, making it an ideal defensive structure for monitoring traffic along the pass.

The fort holds significant historical importance due to its central role in numerous conflicts during the 19th century, particularly between Afghan and British-led forces. It was first captured by British troops in 1839 during the First Anglo-Afghan War and saw combat again in November 1878 during the Battle of Ali Masjid in the Second Anglo-Afghan War. Following the Treaty of Gandamak in May 1879, control of the Khyber Pass and the fort was formally ceded to the British Raj, where it remained until the partition of India in 1947, after which it became part of Pakistan. Today, the site stands as a cultural heritage landmark and a testament to the region's turbulent colonial history. While specific details regarding its current architectural condition are limited, the fort remains a notable point of interest for those studying the military history of the northwest frontier.

![Photo of Ali Masjid Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Ali_Masjid_fort_-_franek2.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Masjid_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)