LAHORE (English / Urdu)
PAKISTAN came into existence on 14th August, 1947. It has 4 provinces that have different people coming from different cultures & religions. Muslims are in majority in the country whereas Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Ahmadis and some others are in minorities. Like other many other Countries of the world, Pakistan is also rich with cultures and people around the country like to live their lives according to their cultural values.
The four provinces of Pakistan are Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan and KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; previously known as North-West Frontier Province, used to be called SARHAD in URDU). All of the four provinces are very unique in their own ways and have a very different style of living, eating, clothing and the routines of the people are entirely different from province to province as well.
The provinces have different cities lying under their territories. Some of them have been quite famous through out the history, Lahore is one of them, Lahore is located in the province of Punjab. Lahore is one of the largest cities of Pakistan and being the capital city of the province of Punjab it is known as the political, educational, economical and technological hub of the province, you can find many experts in different fields living here. On the peak of Pakistan Film Industry, Lahore was the center of entertainment as well.
Not only Lahore has a significance place in Pakistan's history (Minar-e-Pakistan, where the Resolution of Pakistan was passed on 23rd March, 1940, is also situated here), it has a rich history of its own. If you don't have enough time you might visit all of the historical and other places which are most famous among tourists during 2-3 days stay, but if you really want to know Lahore and its history you would need days and even then you might not scratch the surface.
HISTORY:
The history of the city of Lahore goes way back than that but it was originally established into a city around 1000 CE. Many Mughal emperors ruled Lahore from 16th to 18th century. This city was the heart of their thrones. Many Mughal Architectural Monuments, built by them during that era, show their love for the city.
History tells us Lahore was not always in the skies and had seen many ups and downs. It had been a part of different empires and ruled by emperors from different origins. Lahore was the capital of Ghaznavid Dynasty during 12th century, under the control of Turk conqueror, Taimur, in the late 14th century, and was captured by Mughal Emperor Babar in the early 16th century, and this was the start of its days for glory and prosperity, a real golden era for the city.
As mentioned above, many Mughal rulers are responsible for giving it its beauty and splendid architectures. Other than them, by the end of the 18th century it was gone under the dominance of the British Empire, they not only made it the capital city of British Punjab but they also built the city, many buildings and architecture of that era can also be seen through out the city.
POLITICS:
Before partition, Lahore was also the political central point of the independence movements for both Pakistan and India because it was a cultural hub for the people from different origins and beliefs.
This situation and political importance of the city has not yet changed even after the partition, many laws were made and were changed by the movements started from this city.
Governments of the country have been formed and selected on the basis of Lahore poll.
FAMOUS PLACES:
Lahore is a city of cultures and religions and the places within the city, famous or otherwise, show this as well, whether they are from the intense history of Mughal glory or have religious background, such as Wazir Khan Mosque, Havelis of Lahore, Shahi Hammam, Minar-e-Pakistan, Lava Temple in Lahore Fort, Data Darbar, Bibi Pak Daman, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Sacred Heart Cathedral... and this list keeps going on. There are too many famous places in Lahore that this article is not enough to mention them all.
These buildings, architectures, and monuments are not only unique in their constructions but were also built with fine materials gathered from all around the world at the time. For example Badshahi Mosque, which was built with the red sandstone during the Mughal era and show the excellent architectural skills and techniques of the time.
There are many more places in the city other than those have historical and/or religious background such as there is a bazaar (shopping street) known as the "Choori Bazar" that is famous for the bangles of any type and every color.
This place is filled with lights and colors to make it even more eye-catchy for the tourists. Not limited to bangles though, all sorts of things are being purchased in this bazaar. You can find fancy wedding dresses, accessories and different types of mehndi (Henna). Henna can be bought to take home or you can hire tattoo artists available in the bazar for making beautiful henna tattoos.
City also has many other places where people can relax and entertain themselves, a good family time as well.
FESTIVALS, TEHWARS & RELIGIOUS EVENTS:
Apart from that, every year Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated with zeal and zest and cow mandis are often seen in the near vicinity of the city.
In the days of Muharram (In the memory of Hazrat Husain ibn-e-Ali and his family's days in Karbala, during the Karbala battle), the special Day of Ashura is also observed by a specific sect known as Shias.
HOUSING & EDUCATION:
There are different housing schemes for the people living in the city such as a Defense Housing Society, Navy Housing Society and other societies that have made their commercial and residential places on separate lands, this is as an effort to make personal lives of the people free from noise and any other types of pollution.
There are many universities, colleges and schools in the city. Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Virtual University, University of Management and Technology, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore are a few among them.
An honorable mention is National College of Arts that has enabled the students to perform their creative ideas and bring out the new side of the drama society.
Some of the universities in Lahore have been established since 1880's. Many students from these universities are providing their services not only in the country but many countries around the world are getting benefits of their expertise in different fields as well.
AGRICULTURE:
The city of Lahore generates its income from agriculture as well, using a large area around it residential one. It has a great geographical location and excellent weather conditions for different sorts of crops which are not available in many cities of the country. This also places Lahore somewhere on the top in the list of agricultural cities.
Temperature in Lahore usually gets very high around the months of May to August and that's why all the crops that are supposed to be sown in the dry hot climate are sown and cultivated here. Similarly, during winter time it gets cold and rains too, so the crops that need a cold and wet climate are suited to be sown during that certain period. Lahore provides a bigger part of fruits and vegetables production of the province, or more appropriately to say, of the country.
Through these agricultural goods, Lahore earns a lot amount that includes into the Gross Domestic Product revenue of the city, the amount lies around $65 billion. The economy of the city is increasing by a good rate and is making more jobs for the people of the city. The fruits mostly mangoes and oranges and vegetables such as saag (spinach) and watermelons are the ones that are in the most demand because of their great taste and ripeness. The fruits can be bought from the local vendors too as they sell each and every one of their agricultural products at a very reasonable price that is affordable to anyone and of great quality. The fruits are great in quality because of the land. After completing the need of the people of the country, these fruits are also being exported to other countries such as the Middle East and UK.
The increase in agricultural growth leads to the increase in the export of the country and that’s why Pakistan earns a good amount of Capital through it. There is a great demand of Pakistani fruit in many countries of the world where people do not have right weather conditions, climate and the condition of the lands do not favor the grow of these type of fruits. At some of the places these conditions do not allow the grow at all and where these fruits could be grown, they don't have good quality and taste.
FOOD:
Lahoris (the residents of Lahore) love to eat, and not any food but the best food. This is the very reason of the presence of many world class restaurants, a special Food Street (dedicated only for all sorts of foods) and many other food outlets. One such place is "Butt Karahi" that serves, as the name suggested, Karahi; a spicy gravy made with meat and herbs.
Paya is another special South Asian dish, Phajja Siri Paya is the best place for this dish in the region. Because of its yummy taste, it is number one tourist tried food item of Lahore.