The Last left Haveli in Baghbanpura Bazaar 2014

 March 04, 2014 

Baghbanpura Bazaar, one of Lahore's longest markets, holds a significant historical connection to the Main family. Amidst the bustling row of shops, one building stood out in Baghbanpura Bazaar - the Mian Saheb Haveli, a residence of the esteemed Mian family. The first floor boasted an elegant arcade adorned with a series of beautiful multifoil arches. The front elevation showcased Gothic-inspired columns and other captivating elements. Sadly, the building has fallen into disrepair, with the wooden planks of the roof deteriorating and collapsing.

However, the property remains a subject of dispute, currently locked under a court order. The Mian family, hailing from the Arain tribe of the Punjab region, carries a rich lineage. Originally from Areha Jericho in modern-day Palestine, they entered the Indian Subcontinent with Umayyad Arab General Muhammad bin Qasim in 711 A.D. Over the centuries, the family has made significant contributions to the region and owned the land near Baghbanpura, which eventually became the site of the renowned Shalimar Gardens. In 1641, the family received custodianship of the Shalimar Gardens from the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in exchange for the land.

Today, the descendants of the Mian family of Baghbanpura reside in various new localities of Lahore, carrying forward their legacy and heritage.

Masjid Qamaruddin Baghbanpura

09-09-2018

Masjid Qamaruddin located near Borhwal chowk in Baghnapura. The mosque is constructed in 1867 by a local Arian family. In construction, traditional Shah Jhani local bricks were used. A few years back, the structure of the mosque got collapsed so the walls and roof were renovated and reinforced again with new construction materials.

Baba Hassan Din, Mausoleum, Lahore.

November 26, 2017

Detail Taken from Article of Iqbal Alam 

A unique Mausoleum designed by architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz for two modern Gnostics from Lahore. Hafiz Iqbal and his mentor Baba Hassan Din lived on the site of their mausoleum for a significant part of their lives and now their resting places lay under two identical domes around cloisters modelled on shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf.

It is said that Baba Din was an Englishman working for railways in Birmingham who arrived in Lahore in early 50s of last century to become a Sufi ascetic.

Din adopted a poor local boy, Hafiz Iqbal and educated him to high university standards but Iqbal decided to become a street sweeper under an assumed Christian name to experience life almost as an outcast.

The work on Mausoleum started soon after the death of Hafiz Iqbal, using only natural materials. The whole structure is built of local clay bricks and lime mortar prepared and mixed on site. The craftsmen use traditional tools and techniques, some revived especially for task. Some of the decorations are copied from the walls of Red Fort in Delhi. The false burial chambers are decorated with Organic verses chosen by Hafiz Iqbal, inscribed in ink made from burned mustard oil in the style of calligraphy taken from Taj Mahal.

Shrine of Syed Siraj-ud-Din Gilani also known Kala Burj

26-11-2017

The shrine of Syed Siraj-ud-Din Gilani is located close to the Tomb of Mir Niamat Khan, just south of Ghorey Shah Road and east of Bhogiwal Road. The 300-year-old mausoleum has ruthlessly resurfaced in modern cement in overzealous attempts to renovate. 

The dome is sloping like that of Mian Mir's shrine. The walls were originally covered with lime plaster which over the years had turned black, giving it the name "Kala Burj" or Black Tower. 

The building is of quadrangular form, and the north, east, and west sides have latticed brickwork, to the height of a man, applied to the walls. The entrance is provided by a flight of steps to the south. 

The grave of the saint is in an underground chamber. There is a small door along the southern face of the stairs, providing access to the underground chamber. The saint died in 1727 AD during the reign of Muhammed Shah.

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