Quick Facts
Sopore – Detailed Facts
Location:
- Sopore is a town in Baramulla district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- It is situated on the banks of the Jhelum River.
- About 48 kilometers northwest of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Historical Background:
- Sopore was founded by Suyya, an engineer and irrigation expert during the reign of King Avantivarman (855–883 AD) of Kashmir.
- Earlier known as Suyyapur, which gradually evolved into "Sopore."
Nicknames:
- Known as the "Apple Town of Kashmir" because of its large-scale apple production.
- Sometimes called "Chhota London" (Little London) because of its historical affluence and education levels.
Economy:
- Apple cultivation is the backbone of Sopore’s economy.
- Sopore hosts Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi (fruit market) after Azadpur Mandi in Delhi.
- Besides apples, the town has businesses in trade, transport, and horticulture-related services.
Population:
- As per the 2011 Census, Sopore had a population of around 61,098.
- The literacy rate is 66.8%, which is higher than many other towns in the region.
Geography and Climate:
- Elevation: Around 1,579 meters (5,180 feet) above sea level.
- Climate: Cool summers, very cold winters; Sopore often experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.
- Major water bodies: Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, is located near Sopore.
Education:
- Sopore has been an important center of education in North Kashmir.
- Important institutions include Govt. Degree College Sopore (one of the oldest colleges in the Valley, established in 1951), Model Higher Secondary School, IUST (Islamic University of Science & Technology) Sopore Campus, and many private schools.
Transport:
- Well-connected by road (NH-44).
- Sopore Railway Station connects it to Baramulla, Srinagar, and Banihal.
- The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, approximately 50 km away.
Culture and Society:
- Majority of the population is Muslim.
- Sopore has a strong culture of Sufism; several Sufi shrines are located nearby.
- Urdu and Kashmiri are the main languages spoken.
- The town has a history of political activism and was significant in many political movements in Kashmir.
Important Places in Sopore:
- Jamia Masjid Sopore – an important religious center.
- Wular Lake – popular for fishing, boating, and bird-watching.
- Fruit Mandi Sopore – the commercial hub for horticultural produce.
Challenges:
- Sopore has witnessed periods of militancy and unrest, especially in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Despite political challenges, it remains one of the most economically important towns in Kashmir because of agriculture.
