Chowk Yadgar is a prominent memorial square located within the Walled City of Peshawar, near historic landmarks such as Mahabat Khan Mosque, Cunningham Clocktower, and Sethi Muhalla.

Originally named the Hastings Memorial, it was constructed in 1892 by friends of Colonel C.E. Hastings of the British Army in his memory.

The original monument was a domed pavilion on a raised platform, with steps and a fountain, and featured inscriptions in English, Persian, and Pashto.

The English inscription read, “Erected to the memory of Colonel E.C. Hastings C.B. died on 2nd December 1884 by one thousand friends and admirers of whom eight hundred are residents of the Peshawar District.”

In 1969, the original structure was replaced by a tall concrete arch dedicated to the heroes of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965.

This arch was later demolished in the 1990s and replaced with the current domed marble pavilion inspired by Mughal architecture.

The octagonal structure is clad in white marble and features arches framed by marble columns, a bulbous dome, and a chajja supported by ornate brackets.

Surrounding the square are traditional houses and havelis with carved wooden jharokas, preserved doors, and nearby lies Muhalla Sethian and Sethi Muhalla.

Chowk Yadgar has long served as a public gathering space, historically associated with political activities and civic events.

Today, it stands as an architectural and historical anchor in the cultural landscape of old Peshawar.