In my
quest to explore new places in Karachi, I woke up at six in the morning
only to realize that this urge will drive me to rather old places that
we seldom pay attention to in our daily life.
These symbols of our cultural heritage have existed for long but
momentarily, when we catch a glimpse of its fine architecture, it makes
us swoon over the times we have left behind. After almost two centuries,
let’s reminisce about the magnificence of the British Colonial Era and
the buildings it has left behind-Our Heritage.
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1. FRERE HALL
One of the most iconic buildings of Karachi, The Frere Hall was named
after Sir Henry Frere. Frere Hall is also often referred to as
‘Sadequain’s Gallery’ because of his artwork decorated on the ceilings
of the structure. He died before he could complete his last painting on
the ceiling of Frere Hall that reads ‘Arz-o-Samawat'(The earth and the
heavens). |
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2. MEREWETHER CLOCK TOWER
In an era where wristwatches hadn’t gained popularity and travelers and
people out of work often found it difficult to keep a track of time,
clock towers were erected throughout the world. One was constructed in
our very own city-Karachi. Even after 123 years of its completion, the
Merewether Clock Tower stands in all its glory. |
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3. DJ SCIENCE COLLEGE
While passing through Zia Uddin Ahmed road, the DJ Science College is
always an eye catcher because of its incredible design and exquisite
architecture. Named after Diwan Jethmal(DJ)- its major benefactor, the
structure was completed on 19th November 1887. |
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4. QUAID-E-AZAM HOUSE
Quaid e Azam House is also known as the ‘Flagstaff House’ was purchased
by Muhammad Ali Jinnah- the founder of Pakistan at a cost of 1.15lacs
from its Hindu owner in 1943. Jinnah resided here from 1944 until his
death in 1948. |
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5. JEHANGIR KOTHARI PARADE
Situated on a hilltop in Clifton area, Jehangir Kothari Parade was built
back in 1919. Built by Seth Jehangir Hormusji Kothari- a landlord and
merchant from Parsi community, this beautiful structure was gifted to
the people of Karachi.
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6. EMPRESS MARKET
Lying in the heart of old Karachi, Empress Market has continued to exist
since the British Raj era. The failure of the War of independence of
1857 followed an era of torture and distress as British continued to
take revenge from the Rebels. At the place where empress market stands
today, hundreds of rebels were executed by hanging and splitting them
into pieces by tying them to cannon barrels.
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