Photo-walk: Photography enthusiasts guided through Walled City

The walk aimed to highlight the architecture of mostly unexplored sites.

LAHORE:

Nearly 200 photographers, artists, politicians, historians, archaeologists and culture enthusiasts photographed the architecture of the Walled City in a photo-walk arranged by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and the Lahore Photography Club on Saturday.

They were given a guided tour of historic and cultural sites from the Lohari Gate to the Fort Road Food Street. They took pictures of the sites, some mostly unexplored, and were briefed about their history. WCLA Culture and Heritage Expert Talib Hussain, and a team of tourist guides, told the participants about the cultural and historic significance of the monuments.

One of the sites was Niveen Masjid, which is 25 feet below the ground.

The participants were also taken to Noori haveli, a beautiful building of the Sikh period, that is quite dilapidated. Hussain said the WCLA was planning to restore the building.

The participants also visited Lal Haveli at Chowk Jhanda. According to oral tradition, the haveli was built around 150 years ago, “Some historians believe it was built by a maharaja of Kashmir for his favourite courtesan,” said Talib Hussain.



The participants visited the gemstone market, the largest in the city, the herb market, Victoria School and Hazoori Bagh on their way to the Fort Road Food Street.

“The event was held to promote the rich heritage of the Walled City,” WCLA Deputy Director Tania Qureshi said, “The youth seem oblivious to the beauty and significance of the Walled City. We aim to rectify that.”

WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari said, “Many areas in the Walled City are still unexplored. Photographing them is an excellent way to bring them to attention. I appreciate the enthusiasm of the young people who joined us on the walk.”

Lashari said that the WCLA aimed to promote tourism. “Our heritage and culture are unmatched in the world. The Walled City can be a [tourism] gold mine,” he said.

Photographer Nadeem Dar, one of the participants, said, “The photo-walk took me back in time to when I was a child. I felt as if I was holding my father’s hand and walking through the streets exploring Lahore once again.”

Punjab Assembly Member Hina Pervez Butt said this was an innovative way to promote tourism. “We need to preserve our historic monuments. Most of them appear to be falling apart. They could be restored to promote tourism... the country could generate a lot of revenue from this,” she said.

Artist Uzma Hassan said the walk had been a great learning experience. “I came here to support the WCLA’s efforts ... I saw some beautiful architecture today. The jharokas of Lal Haveli are breathtaking.”

Painter Julius John said, “The walk gave me an opportunity to explore some great architectural work and monuments. They could be awesome subjects for paintings.”

Architect Hassan Raza Zaidi said, “I was massively impressed by the Mughal architecture I saw on the walk. I will try to incorporate some of these ideas in my designs.”

Photographer Asif Hussain Zaidi, who volunteered to mentor some young photographers, said that he loved teaching and helping young and upcoming photographers. “The photo-walk was a great interactive experience,” he said.

Mohsin Shams, a participant and photography enthusiast, said, “It gave me the opportunity to learn several techniques from senior photographers.”

Participants of the photo-walk had a chance to sample delicious traditional cuisine for free at the Fort Road Food Street. The WCLA had set up a souvenir stall where many purchased books on Lahore and the Walled City.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2013.