Pakistan’s long history is filled with captivating sites that shed light on its past. Ranging from ancient civilisations’ remains to Mughal architectural marvels, these historical locations serve as reminders of Pakistan’s multifarious heritage.
Lahore Fort is an expansive fortress spanning more than 20 hectares within Lahore’s walled city, built during the 17th century and featuring exquisite Buon frescoes.
Lahore Fort
Lahore Fort (also known as Shahi Qila) is an impressive remnant of Mughal Empire dating back to 16th-century Muslim rulers who wanted to protect their empire’s northwest frontier with fortifications built from mud and expanded over the course of subsequent Mughal rule by adding palaces and gardens.
Moti Masjid was built as one of three Mughal “Pearl Mosques.” An early feature was Maktab Khana (“Clerk’s Quarters” with four sides adorned by intricately decorated cloisters to record visitors entering and leaving the fort. This building also served as a source for clerks responsible for recording visitor entries into the fort.
Successive rulers added many buildings, such as the Kala Burj (Angel’s Tower), constructed during Jahangir’s rule. Jahangir had an interest in Christian themes; thus the massive Picture Wall contains pictures of Jesus and Madonna alongside traditional Muslim images. Furthermore, during this reign he completed Akbar’s ambitious northern court project.
Hiran Minar
Hiran Minar in Pakistan is an elegant monument located near Sheikhupura (formerly Jahangirpura). This stunning complex houses an ornate towering structure, pond, and central pavilion; once used as a royal hunting reserve by Mughal Emperors it still offers visitors a glimpse of their relationship to nature.
Emperor Jahangir built this complex as a tribute to Mansraj, his pet antelope that saved his life while hunting; Jahangir wanted a grand and lasting way of honoring their relationship and bond.
Complex features an octagonal water pavilion in the style of Sher Mandal from Delhi’s Purana Qila, alongside a large masonry tank with corner kiosks adorned with small kiosks. A central pavilion adorns its centre; though many old water channels have dried up over time, a stream still supplies freshwater to this pond, making it popular for swimming and picnicking activities.
Taxila
Taxila’s Ruins are among Pakistan’s premier historic sites. Once capital of Gandhara civilization and center for Buddhism, Gautama Buddha may have visited this city at one point. Although large in scale, Taxila’s remains can take time and patience to explore; summer weather makes for ideal conditions.
At one time, Babylon was also home to one of the most significant trade routes in ancient history, connecting Western Satrapies to India and Central Asia through trade routes which allowed people, ideas and faiths to flow throughout its borders.
Taxila’s first ruined city was Bhir Mound, dating back to 6th Century BC. Sirkap, built during 2nd Century BC with more regular plans and well-planned fortification was its successor, while finally Sirsukh built by Kushan rulers is the final city that now forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Badshahi Mosque
Built between 1671 and 1673, the Badshahi Mosque was one of the world’s largest mosques at its time of completion and one of the most significant architectural structures in Pakistan.
Its exterior was constructed of carved sandstone, while its cupolas were covered with white marble. At one point in time it could accommodate 100,000 worshipers at once.
The mosque is a shrine for the Holy Prophet Muhammad and many of its relics are believed to be personal items owned by him personally – including his turban, hat, coat and trousers. Additionally, many items that once belonged to his wife’s family remain here as well, such as her sandals and even one bearing her footprint imprints.
The Badshahi Mosque stands as an iconic symbol of Islamic culture and religious heritage in Pakistan, yet has often been victimized by its turbulent history. During the First Anglo-Sikh War, tunnels beneath it were used to store gunpowder, while during Sikh Wars guns were mounted onto its 170 foot minarets to bombard Ranjit Singh supporters sheltering at Lahore Fort.
