Minar-e-Pakistan

Minar-e-Pakistan (or Yadgaar-e-Pakistan) is a tall minaret in Iqbal Park Lahore, built in commemoration of the Lahore Resolution. The minaret reflects a blend of Mughal and modern architecture, and is constructed on the site where on March 23, 1940, seven years before the formation of Pakistan, the Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution (Qarardad-e-Lahore), demanding the creation of Pakistan.^[1] This was the first official declaration to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims living in the subcontinent.^[2] Pakistan now celebrates this day as a national holiday each year.

The monument attracts visitors from all over Pakistan, as well as the inhabitants of the Walled City of Lahore. The large public space around the monument is commonly used for political and public meetings, whereas Iqbal Park area is ever so popular among kite-flyers.

Design

The tower was designed by Naseer-ud-Deen Murat Khan a Pakistani architect of (Daghestan) Russian descent,and structural engineer was Abdur Rahman Khan Niazi . The foundation stone was laid on March 23, 1960. The construction took eight years of time, and was completed in 1968 at a cost of PKR 500,000. Today, the minaret provides a panoramic view to visitors who can climb up the stairs or through an Elevator. The parks around the monument include marble fountains and an artificial lake.

Lahore Allama Iqbal Airport

Allama Iqbal International Airport (IATA: LHE, ICAO: OPLA) is Pakistan's second largest civil airport after Jinnah International Airport. It is located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and is commonly known as Lahore International Airport. It is named after the poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal who was a major proponent for the foundation of Pakistan. The airport currently has three terminals; the Allama Iqbal terminal, the Hajj terminal, and a cargo terminal. The airport is located about 15 kilometres from the centre of the city.

History

At independence, Walton Airport was the main airport of the city. When PIA acquired jet-engined airliners such as the Boeing 720s, Walton was unable to handle the large aircraft. This meant that the Government decided to build a brand new airport which was inaugrated in 1962. It was commonly known as the "Lahore International Airport" and was able to handle aircraft as large as the Boeing 747.

Over the course of the next 40 years the demand for air travel rose. It meant that the government decided to build a new world class airport to meet the growing needs for the future and improve the facilities for its passengers since the old airport was becoming obsolete. In 2003, "Allama Iqbal International Airport" was inaugrated and is now the second largest airport in Pakistan. All flights were switched to the new airport and the old airport was passed onto the military. However, during the Hajj period, the old airport is used as a Hajj Terminal by the national carrier, PIA.

Lahore Railway Station

The Lahore Railway Station was built by the British colonists. It is representative of typical grand British architecture in the South Asia during the British Raj. The railway network established by the British was very extensive and is one of their lasting contributions to the culture and infrastructure of this region.
The railway station has 11 platforms (1 to 9, with 2 extra platforms, 3A and 6A). Platform No. 1 has got a special importance, as this platform is the destination of "Samjhota Express", the train service between Pakistan and India. The same train also leaves for India from the same platform.
The railway station has got all the facilities which a big station like it must possess. One can see few food stalls, book agencies, drink corners, etc on every platform. Some foreign restaurants (like McDonald's and Pizza Hut) have their branches at platform No. 2.

Basant in Lahore

In the pre-partitioned Punjab, Hindus of Punjab--especially Lahore--celebrated the Basant Panchami by flying kites. Muslims of Punjab also celebrated the Basant although it was considered as a local (Hindu or folk) festival. The younger Muslim folk did participate in kite flying as an event. At the time of partition in 1947, population of Lahore city was almost equally divided between Muslims (52%) and Hindus/Sikh (48%). By the end of September 1947, almost all the Hindus had left West Punjab/Lahore for India, but their tradition of Basant remained; and even today Lahore take pride in Basant and fly kites from their rooftops with the same enthusiasm.

Being the historic capital of Punjab there is no other place where Basant is celebrated with as much vigour and enthusiasm as the ancient city of Lahore. Although traditionally it was a festivel confined to the old-walled city it has spread all through out the city.

Basant is celebrated with great joy in Lahore:

"There was a lot of rush at kite shops, especially in old Lahore as children and middle-aged men gathered to purchase their favourite coloured kites and string. Rehan, an intermediate student said ...the festival was part of the city’s culture, adding that a number of special dishes were also prepared for the occasion. He said this year, however, people would only be flying kites. Arsalan, a resident of the Walled City, said Basant was the event of colours and lights, adding that a number of people in his area had installed lights at their residences. He said “the dance of kites in lights” would be visible to everyone who would look up at the sky"[5]. 
It was for many years officially backed by the government and sponsored by multinational corporations. Although Basant "travels" throughout Pakistani Punjab it is Lahore which made it popular not only in Pakistan but all over the world as the largest kite festival. Unfortunately there are accidents and even deaths during the festival each year because of the public's ignorance towards the use of banned strings and also gunfire.

Badshahi Mosque

The skyline is furnished by beautiful ornamental merlons inlaid with marble lining adding grace to the perimeter of the mosque. In its various architectural features like the vast square courtyard, the side aisles (dalans), the four corner minarets, the projecting central transept of the prayer chamber and the grand entrance gate, is summed up the history of development of mosque architecture of the Muslim world over the thousand years prior to its construction in 1673. The north enclosure wall of the mosque was laid close to the Ravi River bank, so a majestic gateway could not be provided on that side and, to keep the symmetry the gate had to be omitted on the south wall as well. Thus a four aiwan plan like the earlier Delhi Jamia Masjid could not be adopted here. The walls were built with small kiln-burnt bricks laid in kankar, lime mortar (a kind of hydraulic lime) but have a veneer of red sandstone. The steps leading to the prayer chamber and its plinth are in variegated marble. The prayer chamber is very deep and is divided into seven compartments by rich engraved arches carried on very heavy piers. Out of the seven compartments, three double domes finished in marble have superb curvature, whilst the rest have curvilinear domes with a central rib in their interior and flat roof above. In the eastern front aisle, the ceiling of the compartment is flat (Qalamdani) with a curved border (ghalatan) at the cornice level. The original floor of the courtyard was laid with small kiln-burnt bricks laid in the Mussalah pattern. The present red sandstone flooring was laid during the last thorough repairs (1939-60). Similarly, the original floor of the prayer chamber was in cut and dressed bricks with marble and Sang-i-Abri lining forming Mussalah and was also replaced by marble Mussalah during the last repairs. There are only two inscriptions in the mosque: one on the gateway and another of Kalimah in the prayer chamber under the main high vault. The measurements of Badshahi, as provided by a sign at the mosque, are:Courtyard: 528'-8" x 528'-4" (Area: 278,784 ft2), divided into upper and lower levels Prayer Chamber: 275'-8" x 83'-7" x 50'-6" high, with its main vault 37'-3" x 59'-4" high and a total area of 22,825 sq ftCorner Minarets: 67' in circumference, 176'-4" high are in four stages and have a contained staircase with 204 steps. Central Dome: Diameter 65' at bottom (at bulging 70'-6"); height 49'; pinnacle 24 ft and neck 15 ft high. Side Domes: Diameter 51'-6" (at bulging 54'-2"); height 32 ft; pinnacle 19 ft; neck 9'-6" high. Gateway: 66'-7" x 62'-10" x 65 high including domelets; vault 21'-6" x 32'-6" high. Its three sided approach steps are 22 in number. Side aisles (Dalans): 80 in number. Height above floor 23'-9"; plinth 2'-7". Central Tank: 50' x 50' x 3' deep (Area: 2,500 sq ft)

Mousque

Badshahi Mosque (بادشاھی مسجد) or "Emperor's Mosque" was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore, Pakistan. It is one of the city's best known landmarks and a major tourist attraction epitomising the beauty and grandeur of the Mughal era.Capable of accommodating over 55,000 worshippers, Badshahi is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, after the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The design of the Badshahi Masjid is closely related to the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India, which was built in 1648 by Aurangzeb's father, Emperor Shah Jahan.Badshahi Masjid is one of the famous locations where Qari Basit (1927-88), a widely acclaimed Egyptian Qur'anic Recitor, recited the Qur'an.HistoryThe mosque was built under the patronage of the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir. It was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Aurangzeb's foster brother Muzaffar Hussain (also known as Fidaie Khan Koka) who was appointed governor of Lahore in May 1671 and held this post until 1675. He was also Master of Ordnance to the emperor. The construction of the mosque took about two years, from May 1671 to April 1673. The mosque was built opposite the Lahore Fort, illustrating its stature in the Mughal Empire. In conjunction with the building of the mosque, a new gate was built at the fort, named Alamgiri Gate after the Emperor. From 1852 onwards, piecemeal repairs were carried out under the supervision of the Badshahi Mosque Authority. Extensive repairs were carried out from 1939 to 1960 at a cost of about 4.8 million rupees, which brought the mosque to its original shape and condition. The blueprint for the repairs was prepared by the late architect Nawab Zen Yar Jang Bahadur.In 2000, the repair work of marble inlay in the main vault was repaired under the supervision of Saleem Anjum Qureshi. On the occasion of the second Islamic Summit held at Lahore on February 22, 1974, thirty-nine heads of Muslim states offered their Friday prayers in the Badshahi Masjid, led by Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad, the 'Khatib' of the mosque. Recently a small museum has also been added to the mosque complex, which contains relics of Muhammad, his cousin, and his daughter, Hazrat Fatima Zahra.What to SeeLike the character of its founder, the mosque is bold, vast and majestic in its expression. It was the largest mosque in the world for a long time. The interior has rich embellishment in stucco tracery (Manbatkari) and panelling with a fresco touch, all in bold relief, as well as marble inlay. The exterior is decorated with stone carving as well as marble inlay on red sandstone, specially of loti form motifs in bold relief. The embellishment has Indo-Greek, Central Asian and Indian architectural influence both in technique and motifs.The skyline is furnished by beautiful ornamental merlons inlaid with marble lining adding grace to the perimeter of the mosque. In its various architectural features like the vast square courtyard, the side aisles (dalans), the four corner minarets, the projecting central transept of the prayer chamber and the grand entrance gate, is summed up the history of development of mosque architecture of the Muslim world over the thousand years prior to its construction in 1673. The north enclosure wall of the mosque was laid close to the Ravi River bank, so a majestic gateway could not be provided on that side and, to keep the symmetry the gate had to be omitted on the south wall as well. Thus a four aiwan plan like the earlier Delhi Jamia Masjid could not be adopted here. The walls were built with small kiln-burnt bricks laid in kankar, lime mortar (a kind of hydraulic lime)

Lahore Fort (shahi Qila)

Lahore FortCoordinates: 31°35′25″N 74°18′35″EFort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore*UNESCO World Heritage SiteState Party PakistanType CulturalCriteria i, ii, iiiReference 171Region** Asia-PacificInscription historyInscription 1981 (5th Session)Endangered 2000-* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List.** Region as classified by UNESCO.The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila (Urdu: شاهی قلعہ ) is citadel of the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern corner of the Walled City of Lahore. The trapezoidal composition is spread over 20 hectares. Origins of the fort go as far back as antiquity, however, the existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605), and was regularly upgraded by subsequent rulers. Thus the fort manifests the rich traditions of the entire Mughal architecture.[1] Some of the famous sites inside the fort include: Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha pavilion, and Moti Masjid. In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens (Lahore).Contents 1 Origins 1.1 Timeline2 Structure3 References4 Gallery5 See also6 External links OriginsThe origins of Lahore Fort are obscure and are traditionally based on various myths.[2] However, during the excavation carried out in 1959 by the Department of Archaeology, in front of Diwan-e-Aam, a gold coin of Mahmood of Ghazni dated A.H. 416 (1025 A.D.) was found at a depth of 7.62 metres from the level of the lawns. Cultural layers continued to a further depth of 5 metres, giving strong indications that people had lived here, long before the conquest of Lahore by Mahmood in 1021 A.D.[3] Further mention of the fort is traceable to Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Ghuri's successive invasions of Lahore from 1180 to 1186 A.D. Timeline Location of Fort along the Walled City of LahoreIt cannot be said with certainty when the Lahore Fort was originally constructed or by whom, since this information is lost to history, possibly forever. However, evidence found in archaeological digs gives strong indications that it was built long before 1025 A.D1241 A.D. - Destroyed by Mongols.1267 A.D. - Rebuilt by Sultan Ghiyas ud din Balban.1398 A.D. - Destroyed again, by Amir Tamir's army.1421 A.D. - Rebuilt in mud by Sultan Mubark Shah Syed.1432 A.D. - The fort is occupied by Shaikh Ali of Kabul who makes repairs to the damages inflicted on it by Shaikha Khokhar.1566 A.D. - Rebuilt by Mughal emperor Akbar, in solid brick masonry on its earlier foundations. Also perhaps, its area was extended towards the river Ravi, which then and up to about 1849 A.D., used to flow along its fortification on the north. Akbar also built Doulat Khana-e-Khas-o-Am, the famous Jharoka-e-Darshan (Balcony for Royal Appearance), Masjidi Gate etc.1618 A.D. - Jehangir adds Doulat Khana-e-Jehangir1631 A.D. - Shahjahan builds Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace).1633 A.D. - Shahjahan builds Khawabgah (a dream place or sleeping area), Hamam (bath ), Khilwat Khana (retiring room), and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).[4]1645 A.D. - Shahjahan builds Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Special Audience).1674 A.D. - Aurangzeb adds the massively fluted Alamgiri Gate.(Sometime during) 1799-1839 A.D. - The outer fortification wall on the north with the moat, the marble athdera, Havaeli Mai Jindan and Bara Dari Raja Dhiyan Singh were constructed by Ranjit Singh, Sikh ruler from 1799-1839 A.D.1846 A.D. - Occupied by the British.1927 A.D. - The British hand over the Fort to the Department of Archaeology after demolishing a portion of the fortification wall on the south and converting it into a stepped form thus defortifying the fort.[edit]StructureThe strategic location of Lahore city between the Mughal territories and the strongholds of Kabul, Multan, and Kashmir required the dismantling of the old mud-fort and fortification with solid brick masonry.[5] The strcucture is dominated by Persian influence that deepened with the successive refurbishments by subsequent emperors.[6] The fort is clearly divided into two sections: first the administrative section, which is well connected with main entrances, and comprises larger garden areas and Diwan-e-Aam for royal audiences. The second - a private and concealed residential section - is divided into courts in the northern part, accessible through 'elephant gate'. It also contains Shish Mahal (Hall of Mirrors of Mirror Palace), and spacious bedrooms and smaller gardens.[7] On the outside, the walls are decorated with blue Persian kashi tiles. The original entrance faces the Maryam Zamani Mosque, whereas the larger Alamgiri Gate opens to the Hazuri Bagh through to the majestic Badshahi Mosque.[8][edit]References^ M Taher (1997). Encyclopaedic Survey of Islamic Culture. Anmol Publications. ISBN 8174884874^ G Johnson, C A Bayly, and J F Richards (1988). The New Cambridge History of India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521400279^ S. Ahmed (2007. Three floors revealed at Lahore Fort. Dawn (newspaper). 28 April. Retrieved on 7 March, 2008.^ Nath, R. (1982). History of Mughal Architecture. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 8170174147. p. 422^ Lahore Fort Complex. Archnet Digital Library. Retrieved on 7 March, 2008^ N A Chaudhry (1999). Lahore Fort: A Witness to History. Sang-e-Meel Publications. ISBN 9693510402^ Catherine E G Asher (1992) Architecture of Mughal India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521267285^ A N Khan (1997). Studies in Islamic Archaeology of Pakistan. Sang-e-Meel Publications

Lahore Museum

Contiguous to the National College of Arts, and located in the museum compound is a distinct 2-storey structure containing an auditorium and library, which was once referred to as the Technical Institute. This building too is built in red brick and is part of the original cluster of Anglo-Mughal buildings. The ground floor is utilized as an auditorium while the first floor houses one of the finest antiquarian libraries in Pakistan. On the south, facing the Mall, Lahore Museum, commonly referred to as the ajaib ghar, one of the most impressive Anglo Mughal edifices presents itself in all its glory.The history of the establishment of the museum is traced back to the first industrial exhibition held in 1864. The Lahore Exhibition was part of a series of exhibitions being organized at the time in several cities of British India in the wake of London's 1851 Great Exhibition, which had proved to be a remarkable showcase for the products of the empire. The exhibition hall, later known as Tollinton Market, was built as a temporary structure, but continued to serve various functions until the end of the 20th century.After the conclusion of the exhibition, the museum collection was had been displayed in the Wazir Khan's Baradari since 1855 was shifted to the new exhibition building and significant additions were made to the collection. For 30 years (1864 to 1894), the present Tollinton Market functioned as the museum. In order to house the growing collection, a building catering to permanent display of objects d'art became essential.The present building was constructed as a memorial of Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria held in 1887, and financed through a special public fund raised on the occasion. The foundation stone of the new museum was laid on 3 February 1890 by Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Queen Victoria's grandson (suspected of being Jack the Ripper). On its completion in 1894, the entire Museum collection was transferred to present building with its new name as Jubilee Museum.The present building, designed by Lockwood Kipling and Bhai Ram Singh, became the first structure especially designed as a museum, allowing cool north light to filter into the museum galleries. Bhai Ram Singh, Vice-Principal of Mayo School designed the fountain in front of the building, and along with students of the Mayo School was deeply involved in the design and execution of internal decorative features of the museum.Lahore Museum is one of the most remarkable museum buildings in Pakistan. Its grand entrance, framed by a white marble portico provides the accent to this picturesque Anglo-Mughal ensemble. Although not as decorative as Aitchison College main building nor carrying its refined and delicate brick and terra-cotta detailing, the massing of the composition is exceedingly impressive. This architectural edifice expresses geometric purity in its formation of square corner cube-like towers surmounted by handsome hemispherical domes, providing an interesting interplay of light and shade in the strong sun of the Punjab. The contrast of deeply shaded voids against solid elements presents a dramatic view; and the slightly projecting portico in white Nowshera marble successfully highlights a crescendo of domes and cupolas of the red-brick structure. Although built more than a decade later, the museum building strives at compatibility with the school of art through a similar treatment of repetitive lancet arches on its side wings which flank the central piece de resistance—the portico entrance.Internally, the museum presents one of the most exciting architectural spaces designed to set off the valuable displays. The museum is as much a must in view of its unique collection as it is for its architectural excellence. The museum displays some fine specimens of Mughal and Sikh door-ways and wood-works and has a big collection of paintings dating back to Indo-Pakistan, Mughal, Sikh and British times. It also boasts the finest example of the Gandhara sculpture, the masterpiece of Fasting Siddharta Buddha. Also on display are a collection of musical instruments, ancient jewellery, textile, poetry and armory.

dheli gate

Delhi Gate" was once the main and only road that led from Lahore to Delhi. The gate was built during the Mughal era. Although the gate suffered greatly in the 1947 riots, it has since been renovated and today is in its former glory.

Kashmir gate

Kashmiri Gate" is so named because it faces the direction of Kashmir. Inside the gate, there is a shopping area called "Kashmiri Bazaar" and a beautiful girls' college. This college, built upon an old haveli belonging to a shah, is a beautiful example of Mughal architectu

Sheranwala Gate

Lohari Gate" is very close to "Bhati Gate." Like many other gates, it was built to keep enemies out. Although it is now surrounded by shops and stalls, it still has great architectural significance. In Urdu, loha means "iron," and the gate is named Lohari because many lohars (blacksmiths) workshops were based just outside this gate.

Sheranwala

Jinnah Garden Lahore that is situated on 141 acres (0.57 km2) at this time, earlier it was in 176 acres (0.71 km2), but the land was given to Lahore zoo, botanical garden govt. college university Lahore and to roads alongside the garden. now it is almost the plant area except roads building is 121 acres (0.49 km2). it is most beautiful and well managed botanical garden in Pakistan. it has almost 150 varieties of trees, 140 types of shrubs, 50 types of creepers, 30 palms, almost 100 succulent and about same indoor along with almost all varieties of annual flowers. garden has a good name in Chrysanthemum shows, it was the first institute that started growing chrysanthemum and maximum no of varieties for it. it has 3 nurseries, 4 hilloaks in it. it has two libraries, quaid-e-azam library and Daruslam in it.Regarding collection of trees, Shrubs, climbers a book has been published by Ch. Muhammad Tariq (DDA Jinnah Garden) and Muhammad Ramzan Rafique (Agricultural Officer), This book contains common name, botanical name, flower time, type of planat(decedious or evergreen), flowering clolour of each plant along with its picture. Furthermore this book contains selective pictures from palm garden, annual flowers in this garden. This book can be obtained from the office of Jinnah Garden.The park hosts a famous cricket ground since 1885, built for the entertainment of government officers and civil servants.[2] The ground maintained its Test Status from 1955 till 1959 when the venue moved to Gaddafi Stadium.The park receives a nostalgic mention of the 1970s and 1980s life in Bano Qudsia's remarkable urdu novel Raja Gidh.The Park has a Tomb of Shia' Sufi Known as Baba Turat Muraad Shah, with a heavy number of visitors.
Posted by Ayyaz at 6:54 AM

lahor garden

Originally built as botanical garden modelled on Kew Gardens, it was named after John Lawrence, Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869.[1] The place used to hold his statue, which was later moved to Foyle and Londonderry College in Northern Ireland.[edit]Present

garden

There are also entertainment and sports facilities within the park that comprise of an open-air theatre, a restaurant, tennis courts and the Gymkhana Cricket Ground. It is located on Lawrence Road next to Lahore Zoo, directly across from the Governor's House on The Mall.Contents

jinnah Garden

Bagh-e-Jinnah (Urdu: باغ جناح ) (or Jinnah's Garden) is a historical park in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. It was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. Today, the large green space contains a botanical garden, a mosque, and Jinnah library situated in a Victorian building.

Gulberg

Gulberg (Urdu: گلبرگ) is a residential and commercial area of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is known for its upscale shopping centres, restaurants, posh residential areas and the Hafeez Centre (the largest computer and mobile market in Lahore). It also includes Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium Sports Complex, the home of Pakistani cricket. It is also known as the hub of the fashion industry in Pakistan, and is the location of PACE (an upscale shopping mall.)Two major markets in Gulberg are Main Market and Liberty Market. Main Market provides an ever expanding shopping area for a variety of shops while Liberty Market is generally a market for women. Alongside Main Market is the Canal Park Bazar boasting more than 1000 shops for everyday items. Gulberg's M. M. Alam road is known for its many upscale restaurants, designer boutiques, beauty saloons and furniture shops.Also,in addition to the Gadaffi Stadium for cricket, it also holds hockey stadium and now a football stadium too.Several outdoor sports are conducted throughout the year around that area such as the marathon.There are many fitness clubs there too and one of the famous ones in Shapes.