Sopore

Sopore (Urdu pronunciation: [soːpoːr] ; Kashmiri pronunciation: [soːpoːr]) is a city in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is 45 km (28 mi) north-west of Srinagar, and 16 km (10 mi) north-east of Baramulla.

Sopore is one of the largest subdivisions in Jammu and Kashmir, consisting of seven tehsils and the state's oldest existing subdivision. Recognized as an urban area right from the 1911 census. Sopore has long been a central business hub in North Kashmir. Its historical significance, coupled with its economic role, underscores its prominent position in the region.

Sopore features Asia's second-largest fruit mandi, located at Nowpora Kalan Sopore , approximately 2 km away from the main town, boasting an annual turnover of over ₹3000 crore. This mandi facilitates around 40 percent of the apple production and sales in the Kashmir Valley, which has led to Sopore being known as the 'Apple Town of Kashmir'. Additionally, Wular Lake, one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, lies between Sopore and the Bandipore district. Wular Lake is a major source of fish for the Kashmir Valley and is also distinguished for its production of water chestnuts, enhancing the region's economic and ecological significance.

Municipal Council Sopore is a local urban body that administers the city of Sopore. There are 21 wards in Sopore M.Cl (Municipal Council) and two OG's (Outgrowths), as Amargarh and Nowpora Kalan.

Old Sopur is settled on both banks of the Jhelum River, lending it a picturesque and historically rich setting. This historic area is known for its densely packed network of 30-35 mohallas. Notable mohallas include Arampora, Hatishah, Jamia Qadeem, Khanqah, Chankhan, Untoo Hamam, Sofi Hamam, Now Hamam, Batpora, Ashpeer, Khushal Matoo, Muslim Peer, Kralteng, Sangrampora, Maharajpora, Teliyan, and Takyabal. Each mohalla has its unique character and history, together forming a diverse and culturally significant part of Old Sopur.

New Sopore began to take shape in the mid-20th century, starting with its first planned colony, New Colony. Over time, this development expanded to include a variety of other colonies, such as Noor Bagh, Iqbal Nagar, Badam Bagh, Baba Raza, Siddiq Colony, Model Town, Shah Kirman Colony, and New Light Colony, among others. Each of these neighborhoods was designed with modern infrastructure and amenities, reflecting the region's growth and enhancement of urban living standards.

Sopore division encompasses the city of Sopore, several surrounding villages, and a notable region known as the Zaingair belt. This belt includes numerous villages such as Dangerpora, Dooru, Mundji, Hardshiva, Warpora, Botingoo, Wadoora, Tujar, Brath, Bomai, Seelo, Logripora, Zaloora, etc. Each of these villages plays a vital role in supporting and sustaining the economy of the Sopore region.