A photographer visits Lahore’s signature monuments

The set of pictures is by a Montreal based photographer Arif A. Khan. The Mughal period Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques are the two most photographed places in Lahore but like the monuments that unfailingly capture the visitor the photographer too brings us a fresh perspective and appreciation of their grandeur.

Bohey Barian

Photograph by Nashmya

Scenes from Sheranwala Gate Lahore

In the walled city of Lahore, Sheranwala is one of the twelve gates. It is also known as ‘Khizri Gate’, and in olden times the Ravi River followed by the city walls and the ferry was near this part. The gate was, therefore, named as Khizri after the name of Khizzr Elias, the patron saint according to the Mohammaden belief, of running waters and streams, and the discoverer of the water of immortality. Ranjit Singh kept, here two domesticated lions in a cage, and the gate came to be called as ‘Sheranwala gate’ or ‘Lion’s gate’. It is an old crowded area with all the needful facilities including markets and schools. There are two major schools, Government Islamia High School Sheranwala Gate for boys, which is the oldest school and the best training centre for the youth of the vicinity. Then there is the Government School for the Deaf and Dumb Khizri Mohala (Society), which is a mannequin school and also and a banquet hall. There is a Madrassa (an institution for religious studies) established by Moulana Ahmed Ali Lahori, and the Anjumen Khudamu-ud-Din (a great name in the Islamic religious revolution in the sub-continent). There are also many higher secondary private schools in the area to educate the coming generation of this historical soil.

Shiwala Gulab Rai from Maryam Zamani Mosque

According to Kanahiya Lal the historian, the Gulab Rai Shiwala lies at the back of Khushal Singhs Haveli ( Now Government College for Girls, Chuna Mandi) and is distinguished by the gilded spire . He states it was in a state of neglect even in the late nineteenth century. Its graceful head is still visible in the rising humble crowd of new dwellings.

Scenes from Old City

Waheed Khalid is a talented young freelance photographer from Lahore. He runs a studio called StudioQ which not only displays his own work but also provide various services including training and portfolio building etc. Today we present four selected photographs of Walled City of Lahore from Waheed’s brilliant work. Enjoy his unparalleled quality, distinct style, and fresh approach to photography.

Can anyone guess the exact location of old houses and walls shown in these photographs?

Note: The house in the top-right photograph, like 300 other houses in old Lahore was demolished recently. This one stood magnificently inside Masjid Wazir Khans first entrance on the left when you enter the mosque. Clicking on each image will take you to original photographer’s pages.

Rozi Roti – Scenes from Delhi Gate, Lahore

Photo Descriptions (L-R): 1) Sheesha store at Delhi Gate in Lahore. Photograph originally taken by Abro. 2) Old man selling Suparees inside Delhi Gate, Lahore. The door behind him leads to Shahi Hamaam. Phptograph originally taken by Almaas. Click on each image for enlarged view.

Michael Foley’s Lahore – Scenes from the Cooco’s Den

Michael Foley is originally from Dublin, Ireland but currently living in Washington DC. He has travelled a lot to developing countries, concentrating on South Asia at the moment. He likes to take pictures of people and their environs. Michael loves Lahore and is a frequent visitor of his most favorite city in South Asia. He writes about Lahore: What a glorious city, Lahore – vibrant, throbbing with life and so beautiful.

We present three selected photographs of Michael Foley in this post. Enjoy.

Photo Description: Gateway to the Badshahi Mosque, with Lahore Fort opposite