What is meant by “Lahore” to you? Lahore… Where your home is… We often say, “Who haven’t seen Lahore, he had not seen anything at all”. But what is it about Lahore that we want people to see? Is Lahore important enough that we invite people to see it? I am not talking here about etymology of word Lahore but the essence and feel of Lahore.
Let’s begin with facts & reflections & some connections. It’s been said that a country is recognised by its people and a city by its public spaces. So, when you want to show “Lahore” to someone, which places do you take them to? Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Fort Food Street, Walled City (the living heritage) and Wagha Border… And you travel through various roads to reach destination – like Canal Road, Mall Road, Ferozepur Road frequently. Even though there are other public places too, but you prefer these. But why you prefer only these places?
Because History plays a major role! When we want to know about someone or something we do a background check, Right? Now you must be thinking there are other places too – like Jahangir’s tomb, River Ravi, Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Museum, Lawrence Gardens etc… But they aren’t fascinating for people now, maybe. So, we take them to places that hold essence of Lahore and are in good shape for visits and attractive and interesting to people. So, what is essence of Lahore??? Follow me through this historical check:
-This area (Lahore) centuries ago was home to and ruled by Mughals, who left their masterpieces in form of buildings and artefacts… The structural elements let people feel the royalty in present times… For example, don’t lie… Have you not ever posed as addressing your public from the throne in Diwan-e-Aam? It’s fun, Right! These mighty fort structure and details with all its mysteries are here till date – not built by our ancestors but received and honoured and preserved by them.
-But, important point here is … These weren’t preserved by our ancestors (Pakistani) directly but by ruling parties that came after Mughals – the Sikhs & Hindus! Ever heard about cultural diversity of Lahore? It’s been there even before Pakistan came into being. For example, the Sikh Gurdwara within Fort and their architectural elements highlight their respect towards Mughal structures because they didn’t destroy them (except a few) but built new structures along with it without ruining the beauty of original structures.
Hindu temples can be found in different areas of Lahore as well, because Hindus and Sikhs have been living here until partition. So, the walled city – you often visit – the havelis and houses there, belonged to Sikhs and Hindus before our ancestors walked in. You know, our ancestors weren’t the only ones who migrated and left their homes and life behind, people who lived here moved out too. And this name “Lahore” dates back to their time. Google it for details!
-Later came, British Rulers, who were interested in leaving traces behind not much into ruling here destroyed some heritage to build some new areas maybe, because they couldn’t relate to it. They set new standards of living, new architectural details, gave new perspective to people of sub-continent through building new areas, towns, and infrastructure. For example, Mall Road and the Educational and Political buildings along with it. So basically they introduced separate institutions of running systems at distances and larger scale. You know the famous institutions here in Lahore were built by them.
-Then, finally Muslims migrated to Lahore, when Pakistan after partition came into being. And got settled in these already created areas and buildings and built more with time and need.
Thus, we show old city sites for sake of “Cultural Diversity” that came into being due to different rulers, different architecture and how it has been all preserved over the time, thus making it a part of heritage. Lahore and its people had accepted this diversity wholeheartedly and are appreciated by people worldwide because the tolerance among people is appreciable, indeed. You feel the humility and love and devotion and warmth in the air within walled city and it is there because of its people truly, who are living there and keeping heritage alive. The humility in their attitude is undoubtedly evident because they are living in someone else place that saved their lives and became their shelter and home ultimately after a war and migration and much more.
We do not only show these places through travelling but also through media & productions. For example, many TV serials, TV shows and songs are filmed for sake of beautiful backgrounds; similarly they are preferred for photo shoots as well. They are also chosen for exhibitions setups for biennale etc. Thus it never gets old or forgotten.
We also enjoy the food along with exploration that introduces people to our desi food & culture while being in the ambience of these places. Like Lahore Fort Food Street is famous for its ambience and food, and also famous desi foods available at different Gates of Lahore and within walled city attracts different local and foreigners to it.
And Wagha Border on the other hand holds the passionate spirit of upholding possession for what is ours now, and thus a protective shield for people living here, because it was all done by legal procedures – and by choice. This place is ours now! The Flag Ceremony reflects all of that love for our country and for our people who lost their lives and who are making us proud today as well. This city belongs to us and we will protect it and its people no matter what. That’s the spirit which our soldiers at Wagha Border convey to their own people and to Indians (at the other side of border) and to rest of the world.
There are amusement parks as well like Joyland and Gulshan Iqbal Park where we take people, based on their preferences or interests. They don’t add to any history or fascination of Lahore but somehow they play the role in amusement, entertainment and economy.
But I really wish to be able to show the beautiful gardens of Lahore to everyone and to find the comfort and rest there again, as we had few years back when gardens were maintained well and people were little more civilised, boys in particular. Lahore was used to be known as ‘City of Gardens’, I wish to experience it myself soon. We have quite few amazing gardens but they weren’t upgraded with time with respect to its use and concept. We have so much room for improvement and experimentation, Alhumdulilah.
So, do you feel the burden of inheriting such legacy and living around places that have seen and heard so much??? Try to listen to what these places have to tell you… because it will tell you. For sure! It will tell you about the dreams and aspirations and sacrifices of its people. Explore and Enjoy and Be Grateful for belonging to such iconic city and play your role to preserve it well.
I am thankful to Mr. Osama Shahid Bangash for helping me understand our city spaces from tourism point of view. And I am thankful to Ms. Siew Yong from Malaysia for sharing her pictures with us. I hope she had amazing time here in our city Lahore.
Hey people! Plan your ventures in Pakistan with Globetrotters Pakistan.
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