Wiki Loves Monuments: Top 10 pictures

from Pakistan
On October 25, 2014 Saqib Qayyum Choudhry, published in Dawn the list of ten
photographs of famous monuments of Pakistan which have been selected by a jury to
send to the prestigious 'Wiki Loves Monuments', the biggest photography competition in
the world. This year, Wikimedia Foundation, the California-based non-profit
organisation that runs Wikipedia, supported 'Wiki Loves Monuments' in Pakistan for the
first time .Globally, the 2014 version of the contests saw more than 8,750 contestants
in 41 countries across the globe, who submitted more than 308,000 photographs
throughout the month of September. From Pakistan, more than 700 contestants from
across the country submitted over 12,000 photographs, all under a free license, which
means they can now be re-used by anyone for any purpose, (even commercially), as
long as the re-user attributes the photographer. However these photographs do not
carry any description making it difficult for those not familiar with these icons of
Pakistans culture to fully appreciate them. Accordingly I have written a one paragraph
description, based on the material given in Wikipedia, of each photograph as a ready
reference.

Tomb of Jahangir in Lahore.

Photographed by Sohaib Tahir

Tomb of Jahangir in Lahore (photographed by Sohaib Tahir),a mausoleum built for Emperor
Jahangir(1605 to 1627) is located in Shahdara Bagh in Lahore(Pakistan )on the banks of the
River Ravi in the large walled garden of Empress Nur Jahan .It was built and completed by
Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637 AD, at the cost of ten Lakhs Rupees. It housed Amise, a French
officer of the Sikh army. The tomb is on the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tomb of Jahangir, a mausoleum built for Emperor Jahangir (1605 to 1627) is
located in Shahdara Bagh in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. After his death at Rajauri in 1627
he was buried on the banks of the River Ravi in the large walled garden of Empress Nur
Jahan and this tomb was built and completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637 AD, at
the cost of ten Lakhs Rupees.The tomb, along with the adjacent Akbari Sarai and the
tomb of Asif Khan, is on the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior
of the mausoleum is an elevated sarcophagus of white marble, the sides of which are
wrought with flowers of mosaic in the same elegant style as the tombs in the Taj Mahal
at Agra, India. On two sides of the sarcophagus the ninety-nine attributes of God are
inlaid in black. Carved jali screens admit light in various patterns facing toward Mecca.

Tomb of Dai Anga in Lahore.

Photographed by Muhammad Ashar

Tomb of Dai Anga along with the mosque is situated near the railway station of Lahore,
Punjab, Pakistan. Zeb Un Nisa aka Dai Anga,a wet nurse of Mughal King Shah Jehan
and well respected in the royal family, built this mosque in 1635 AD, before she went
to perform Hajj. Her family was closely associated with the Mughal Empire. Her
husband Murad Khan served Emperor Jahangir as Magistrate of Bikaner, and her son
Muhammad Rashid Khan, was the best archers in the kingdom, and died fighting in the
service of Shah Jahan's eldest son Dara Shikoh. Shah Jahan highly regarded Zeb Un
Nisa. The exterior of the mosque has been embellished with fine tile work similar to that
seen at the mosque of Wazir Khan in Lahore. The interior also displayed fine frescoes
previously; unfortunately these have largely been replaced by cheap modern ceramic
tiles.

Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif.

Photographed by Shah Zaman Baloch

The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi was built in 1493 by an Iranian prince, Dilshad, for Bibi
Jawindi who was the great granddaughter of a famous Sufi saint. The site is located in
Uch, a historical city founded by Alexander the Macedonian.It is considered one of the
most ornate monuments. Both the interior and exterior of the building are richly
decorated with Islamic scriptures, carved timber, and bright blue and white mosaic tiles
known as faience. Over the centuries, the tomb was badly disintegrated.
The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi is one of the five monuments in Uch Sharif, Punjab, Pakistan
which are on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The shrine was built
in 1493 by an Iranian prince, Dilshad,for Bibi Jawindi who was the great granddaughter
of Jahaniyan Jahangasht, a famous Sufi saint. The site is located in the south-west
corner of Uch, a historical city founded by Alexander the Macedonian. The tomb of Bibi
Jawindi is an important site for visitors and is considered one of the most ornate
monuments in Uch. Both the interior and exterior of the building are richly decorated
with Islamic scriptures, carved timber, and bright blue and white mosaic tiles known as
faience. Over the centuries, the tomb was badly disintegrated due to environmental
conditions and during torrential floods in 1817, half of the structure washed away.[2]
Today only the remaining half of the structure is still standing.

Derawar Fort in Bahawalpur.

Photographed by Ali Mir

Derawar Fort (photograph by Ali Mir),is located in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The forty
bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in Cholistan Desert.The first fort on the site was
built by Hindu Rajput, Bhati of Jaisalmer, captured by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in 1733. The
nearby mosque was modeled after that in the Red Fort of Delhi. There is also a royal necropolis
of the Abbasi family, which still owns the stronghold.
Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan,was built by
Hindu Rajput, Bhati of Jaisalmer and remained in the hands of the royal family of
Jaisalmer until captured by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur in 1733 The forty bastions of
Derawar are visible for many miles in Cholistan Desert. The walls have a circumference
of 1500 metres and stand up to thirty metres high. The nearby mosque was modelled
after that in the Red Fort of Delhi. There is also a royal necropolis of the Abbasi family,
which still owns the stronghold. The area is rich in archaeological artifacts associated
with Ganweriwala, a vast but as-yet-unexcavated city of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.

Photographed by Ali Mujtaba

Faisal Mosque in Islamabad (Photographed by Ali Mujtaba).The Faisal Mosque, completed in
1986, was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay.Shaped like a desert Bedouin's tent, It
was conceived as the National Mosque of Pakistan and named after the late King Faisal bin
Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia. The largest mosque in South Asia, the Faisal Mosque was the
largest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993, when it was relegated to fourth place.
The Faisal Mosque, the second largest mosque in Pakistan, is located in the national
capital city of Islamabad. Completed in 1986, it was designed by Turkish architect Vedat
Dalokay, who won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for the project. The Faisal
Mosque was conceived as the National Mosque of Pakistan and named after the late
King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported and financed the project. The
largest mosque in South Asia, the Faisal Mosque was the largest mosque in the world
from 1986 until 1993 when it was relegated to fourth place in terms of size. The
mosque's architecture is modern and unique, lacking both the traditional domes and
arches of most other mosques around the world. The mosque's unusual design is a
departure from the long history of South Asian Islamic architecture, fusing
contemporary lines with the more traditional look of an Arab Bedouin's tent, with its
large triangular prayer hall and four minarets. However, unlike traditional masjid design,
it lacks a dome. The minarets borrow their design from Turkish tradition and are thin
and pencil like. The shape of the Faisal Mosque is an eight-sided concrete shell inspired

by a desert Beduoin's tent and the cubic Kaaba in Mecca, flanked by four unusual
minarets inspired by Turkish architecture

Lahore Fort in Lahore.

Photographed by Rohaan Bhatti

Lahore Fort in Lahore-Photographed by Rohaan Bhatti :The Lahore Fort or Shahi Qila
(Emperor's Fort) is located in the Walled City of Lahore. Spread over 20 hectares, the
existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar between
15561605 and was regularly upgraded by subsequent Mughal, Sikh and British rulers.
The fort manifests the rich traditions of Mughal architecture. In 1981, the fort was
inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens.
The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila (Emperors Fort) is located in the
northwestern corner of the Walled City of Lahore. Spread over 20 hectares, its origins
go as far back as antiquity; however, the existing base structure was built during the
reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar between 15561605 and was regularly upgraded by
subsequent Mughal, Sikh and British rulers. The fort manifests the rich traditions of
Mughal architecture. The origins of Lahore Fort are obscure and are traditionally based
on various myths. Lahore Fort and the city from (17991849) remained under the

control of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sher-e-Panjab, and his sons, grandsons and wives,
until the fall of the last Sikh empire or the Lahore Darbar in 1849.

Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.

Photographed by Abdul Baqi

Pakistan Monument in Islamabad-Photographed by Abdul Baqi: The Pakistan Monument is a
national monument representing the nation's four provinces and three territories. The Monument
has been designed to reflect the story of the Pakistan Movement, dedicated to those who
sacrificed themselves for future generations. From air the monument looks like a star and a
crescent moon representing the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag.
The Pakistan Monument, located at the west viewpoint of the Shakarparian Hills in
Islamabad, (Pakistan) was designed by Arif Masood and is a national monument .While
the blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan's progress as a
rapidly developing country, the four main petals of the monument represent the four
provinces (Baluchistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh).The three smaller
petals represent the three territories (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the Federally
Administered Tribal Areas). Designed to reflect the culture and civilization of the
country and depicts the story of the Pakistan Movement, the monument has been

dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations. From air the
monument looks like a star (center) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the
petals); these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag.
.

Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore.

Photographed by Shagufta Karim

The Wazir Khan Mosque, described as 'a mole on the cheek of Lahore' is famous for its
extensive faience tile work. Starting around 16341635 AD, during the reign of the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jehan, it was built by Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, a native of Chiniot, who
rose to be the court physician to Shah Jahan and a governor of Lahore. He was commonly known
as Wazir Khan, a popular title bestowed upon him (the word Wazir means 'minister' in Urdu and
Persian).
The Wazir Khan Mosque, described as 'a mole on the cheek of Lahore' is famous for its
extensive faience tile work. It was built in seven years, starting around 16341635 AD,
during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. It was built by Hakim Shaikh Ilmud-din Ansari, a native of Chiniot, who rose to be the court physician to Shah Jahan and

a governor of Lahore. He was commonly known as Wazir Khan, a popular title

bestowed upon him (the word Wazir means 'minister' in Urdu and Persian).Within the
inner courtyard of the mosque lies the subterranean tomb of Syed Muhammad Ishaq,
known as Miran Badshah, a divine who settled in Lahore during the time of the Tughluq
dynasty. The tomb, therefore, predates the mosque. A movie "Khuda Ke Liye (For God
Sake)" based on what Islam allows and what people think what Islam allows, was
filmed in this very Mosque.

Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur.

Photographed by Muhammad Ashar

Built in 1872 like an Italian chateau, the Noor Mahal, a palace in Bahawalpur, Punjab,
Pakistan was designed by Mr. Heennan, an Englishman.It encompasses features of
Corinthian and Islamic styles of architecture with a tinge of sub continental style.
According to one legend, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, who had the palace made
for his wife; however, she was only there for one night, as she happened to see the
adjoining graveyard from her balcony, and refused to spend another night there, and so
it remained unused during his reign.

The Noor Mahal is a palace in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. Built in 1872 like an Italian
chateau on neoclassical lines, it belonged to the Nawab of Bahawalpur princely state,
during British Raj. Mr. Heennan, an Englishman who was the state engineer, designed
the building. It has 32 rooms including 14 in the basement, 6 verandas and 5 domes.
The design encompasses features of Corinthian and Islamic styles of architecture with a
tinge of sub continental style.
There are various stories regarding its construction. According to one legend, Nawab
Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV, who was also known as the Shan Jahan of Bahawalpur for
his passion of constructing beautiful buildings, had the palace made for his wife;
however, she was only there for one night, as she happened to see the adjoining
graveyard from her balcony, and refused to spend another night there, and so it
remained unused during his reign..
The building was declared a protected monument in September 2001 by the
Government of Pakistan's Department of Archeology, and it is now open for general
public.

Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta.

Photographed by Ovais Waraich

Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta-Photographed by Ovais Waraich:The Shah Jahan Mosque

was constructed by the Emperor Shah Jahan (1644-47 ) to express his love for the
people of Sindh. One remarkable acoustical feature is that the prayers of anyone
speaking loudly in front of the mihrab (the prayer niche facing Mecca) can be heard
clearly throughout the building. The mosque has been on the UNESCO tentative World
Heritage list since 1993 but has not yet achieved official recognition.
The Shah Jahan Mosque, located in Thatta, Sindh province, (Pakistan) was built during
the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who presented it as a gift to the people of
Sindh for their hospitality. It has been on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list
since 1993.The mosque is built with red bricks with blue coloured glaze tiles probably
imported from the town of Haala, Sindh. It has a total of 93 domes. It was built keeping
acoustics in mind. A person speaking on one end of the dome can be heard from the
other end when the speech exceeds 100 decibels.

Government College, Lahore (Pakistan)-Building of Government College, Lahore

(Pakistan), one of the oldest educational institutions of higher learning, was designed
by W. Purdon, Superintendent Engineer, and constructed under the supervision of
Executive Engineer Kannhaiya Lal. It was completed in 1877 at a cost of Rs. 320,000.Its
world famous Gothic style tower rises to a total height of 176' which is divided into four
distinct storey and terminates in the form of a spire.

The Bhati Gate, Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan

Located on the western wall of the Old City, it is one of the two oldest entry points into
the Walled City. It was called Bhati gate because it opens in the direction of Sandal Bar
named after Rai Sandal Khan, a Bhatti Rajput who lived there in ancient times. The
area inside the gate is well known throughout the city for its food. Just outside of Bhati
Gate is Data Durbar, the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Ali Hajweri (also known as Data
Sahib Ganjbaksh). Every Thursday evening musicians used to gather here to perform
Qawwali music.

Omar Hayat Mahal,also known as Gulzar Manzil in Chiniot,Pakistan is a five story building
which was constructed by Omar Hayat for his newborn son Gulzar.The construction of the
palace completed in 1935 and Mr Hayat expired in same year just a couple of months before its
completion.Unfortunately Gulzar was found dead in the palace the very next day of his marriage.
Hearing the news of sons death, the mother also died. Both the mother and the son were buried
in the courtyard of the palace.
Omar Hayat Mahal,also known as Gulzar Manzil is a 19th-century wooden architectural
wonder in Chiniot, Punjab(Pakistan).It is a five story building which was constructed by
Mr Omar Hayat for his newborn son Mohammed Gulzar in 1923.The construction of the
palace completed in 1935 and Mr Hayat expired in same year just a couple of months
before its completion. Unfortunately Gulzar Muhammad was found dead in the palace
the very next day of his marriage. Hearing the news of sons death, the mother also
died remembering him. Both the mother and the son were buried in the courtyard of
the ground floor of the palace.
Mr Hayat's relatives left the palace thinking it as a subject to bad luck for sheikh family,
while servants continued living for a couple of years and then parted from it. An
orphanage was established by some religious leaders and then it was evacuated when
its top story collapsed.

Beautiful carvings on roof, walls and front door

The palace's building is a Mughal Revival building (interpretations of an old architectural
style by people of a later era). Unique carving cuts on the doors, windows and jhirokas
reflect a colour of their own. The roofs, balconies, stairways, terrace and the stucco

designs make a perfect interior. The facade of the building is decorated with a fine inlay
of bricks, the dazzling shine of marble and picturesque shades help it rank among the
great palaces of Mughal era landlords. At present the palace is very much out of sorts.
Its walls have developed cracks rainy water pours in. The woodwork has lost colour.

The Minar-e-Pakistan(Tower of Pakistan) ,a 60 metre tall concrete minaret in Iqbal Park

in Lahore,was built on the site where the Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution,
demanding the creation of Pakistan. Pakistan now celebrates this day as a national
holiday each year under the name of Pakistan Day which is also the day in 1956 when
the country became the first Islamic Republic in the world. Designed by Muhammad
Wali Ullah Khan,the base of the tower is raised about 4 metres from the ground. The
next 13 metres form a sculpted, flower-like base and from this point the Minar tapers as
it rises. The base platform is shaped like a five-pointed star and it encloses crescent
shaped pools. It is constructed of reinforced concrete, with the floors and walls
rendered in stone and marble.

Clock Tower, Multan (Pakistan)