Through the lens: Capturing Hyderabad in its rustic beauty

A group of young men and women participate in a photo walk around city’s historical sites

HYDERABAD:

Over 100 freelance photographers gathered on May 30 to capture the rustic beauty of Hyderabad, a city whose history can be traced back to over 2,200 years.

Having seen the rise and fall of different rulers, the city has stories to tell. But unfortunately, the city's heritage and its culture are largely overlooked. Its monuments, markets and relics remain forgotten. To rediscover the city, the Pakistan-US Alumni Network and Lahooti, a non-profit organisation working to revive folk music, backed the photo walk.

Freelance photographers participated in a photo walk around Hyderabad’s historical sites organised by the Pakistan-US Alumni Network and a non-profit organisation, Lahooti, on May 30. PHOTOS: COURTESY SANA KHOWAJA

The participants, several of whom came from other cities, were enthusiastic about the event despite the glaring heat. Two buses filled with these spirited souls went from point to point and covered the sites of historic, cultural and architectural significance. Not only were they given the chance to photograph the places but also a briefing about their cultural and historic importance.

One of the first spots included the two Kalhora tombs, belonging to two different rulers. One of them, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhora, was the person who laid the foundation of Hyderabad in 18th century, and was also the one who gave the city its current name.

From there, the group explored the streets of Hirabad, one of the oldest areas in the city. The photographers captured the beauty of the buildings that date as far back as the colonial era. They also managed to photograph a temple, which was initially built in 1895 and was rebuilt in 1945.

To take a break from the scorching sun, the group took a break at Rani Bagh, where they rested under the shade of trees and had lunch. The next spot was Niaz Stadium, which is famous as the stadium where the first hat trick in the history of one-day internationals took place. Pakistani bowler Jalaluddin achieved this feat against Australia in 1982.

The final destination for the 'Hyderabad Photowalk' was none other than Pakka Qila. The fort was built in the late 1760s by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhora. Sadly, the remains of the fort are in a desolate condition at the moment.

As the budding photographers bid each other farewell, there were promises to meet again soon at an exhibition that will display the best photographs taken during the day.  One of the most amazing things about the event was the participation of female photographers, who initially showed their excitement over social media but also helped make it a success. Hyderabad and its people had been looking for such an event and the Hyderabad Photowalk fulfilled that wish.

The writer is a 24-year-old youth activist and a business graduate from Hyderabad

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2015.