18 Architectural Masterpieces That You Need To See To Believe!

[ghazi52]

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18 Architectural Masterpieces That You Need To See To Believe!

We are a Country blessed with a strong cultural and religious heritage which is quite apparent from the myriad of Forts, Mosques, Mausoleums, Palaces, Libraries etc. present here. Some of these masterpieces have historical significance, others have a religious attraction. Mughal, Arab, Indian and British influences are quire apparent and for a country which gained independence a little less than 70 years ago, we have been able to maintain our heritage extraordinarily well. Whatever may be the case, one thing is for sure, our forefathers had an eye for color and one helluva classy taste. Some of these buildings need to be seen to be believed!

1. Shah Rukn-i-Alam

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Shah Rukn-i-Alam (built in 1320 and 1324) is the tomb of Rukni-i-Alam, a Sufi saint of the Tuglug period, in Multan. It was destroyed and rebuilt in the 1970s and since then it is considered as one of the outstanding architectural masterpieces of the country. The structure shows off traditional Multan tile work, wood carving and terra cotta, that is incredibly soothing to the eyes.

2. Bhong Mosque


Located in the village of Bhong, Rahim Yar Khan, it took a period of 50 years for the mosque to be completed. It won an Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1986 for its mosaic, woodwork and the tremendous calligraphy work. Calligraphers used different Islamic styles and materials like ivory, teak, terrazzo and stone facing.

3. Shrine of Bibi Jawindi



Tomb of Bibi Jawindi has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The shrine was built in the year 1493 by Iranian prince, Dilshad for Bibi Jawindi who was the great grand daughter of a well-known Sufi saint, Jahangasht. The monument is decorated with mosaic tiles and contains Islamic scriptures making it a breathtaking site in Uch Sharif.

4. Jehangir’s Tomb



Adjacent to Akbari Sarai, the tomb of Jehangir was built between the period of 1605-1627. The mausoleum is a building with one floor, containing octagonal towers and a beautiful projected entrance. The interior is made of white marble and the sides contain carved jali screens that reflect light, forming brilliant patterns inside the building.

5. Pakistan Monument



Pakistan Monument, Islamabad is also known as The National Monument, representing the four provinces of the country (Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh). The monument has four large petals and four small petals showing the smaller territories (Gilgit-Balistan, Azad Kashmir and FATA). When seen from the air, the monument looks like the flag of Pakistan having a star in the center with a crescent moon on the side.

6. Minar-e-Pakistan



This public ornament was built in the 1960s in Lahore. It was built as a Pakistan Day Memorial on the spot where the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940. The tower reaches 70m in height and is a fusion of modern, Islamic and Mughal architectural design. The structure, built in eight years, provides a panoramic view of the City to visitors and tourists alike.

7.Jamia Masjid – Azad Kashmir



There is not much known about this wonderful Mosque situated in Azad-Kashmir. Its wonderful colors and enticing design have made it into one of those little known places that tourists love to discover.

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[ghazi52]

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8. Badshahi Mosque



The Badshahi Mosque, Lahore was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and completed in 1673. It is the second largest mosque in Pakistan and the fifth largest mosque in the world. The architecture of the mosque is a blend of Indo-Islamic and obviously Mughal influences.

9. Ayub Arch and Lansdowne Bridge



Ayub Arch, named after President Ayub Khan and Lansdowne Bridge has a significant standing in the Architectural world. The Ayub arch is the world’s third longest railway arch and the railway bridge was originally the longest rigid girder bridge when it was constructed in 1887. The design of the bridge was such that most people believed it would self-destruct with time but it has lasted for over a century!

10. Hiran Minar



The Hiran Minar or the Minaret of Antelope was constructed by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in Lahore. The Minar was built was built in the honor of a pet of Jehangir, an antelope by the name of Mansraj. Its unique features include the antelope’s grave, a distinctive water collection system and a great landscape view from the top of the Minar.

11. Mazar-e-Quaid



Mazar-e-Quaid or the Jinnah Mausoleum is the place where the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah rests. The beautifully constructed Mazar is an iconic symbol, a beacon of light for Karachi. It is made of slick white marble with curved arches and wonderful dome which can be seen glowing from far away.

12. Faisal Mosque




Located in Pakistan’s capital city, the Shah Faisal mosque is the largest mosque of the country. The exceptionally large mosque, built beautifully in contemporary Islamic architecture, has been a major attraction in Islamabad since its construction. Named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, the mosque uses some innovative architectural techniques to come up with a design that brings together traditional as well as modern arches and domes.

13. Mohatta Palace





The Mohatta Palace in Karachi was built in 1927 by Shivratan Chanraratan Mohatta. The architectural style of the monument is Indo-Saracenic Revival. The building is constructed with a combination of pink Jodhpur stone and yellow stones. The façade is exquisite; there are nine domes, stone brackets and beautiful trimmed windows and railings.

14. Frere Hall

The Frere Hall is one of the oldest buildings of the British Colonial era. Located in Karachi, its design is Venetian Gothic containing yellowish limestone and red and grey sandstones from Jungshahi. It was used as a town hall during raj and was not open to public until 2011. As of now, it is a major tourist attraction in Karachi!
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[ghazi52]

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15. Sunehri Masjid



Sunehri Masjid, Peshawar is called the Golden Mosque and was constructed in the year 1963. It is a source of attraction for tourists due its unique Islamic architectural design. It is considered to be one of the most famous mosques of Pakistan.

16. Sehwan Sharif



The Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a Sufi of the highest order, is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. Originally built in 1356, the Shrine was fitted with kashi-tiles, mirror-work and its trademark Gold door by Z.A. Bhutto. The Golden dome can be seen shining far and wide, and is certainly a sight that should be seen at least once in life.

17. Supreme Court



Designed by Kenzo Tange, a famous Japanese architect, the Supreme Court Building is home to the justice system of Pakistan. Located in Islamabad, the wonderfully designed bulding is flanked by the President’s House on one side and PM’s Secretariat.

18. Noor Mahal



The Noor Mehal belonged to the Nawab of Bahawalpur during British Raj. Built in 1872, the palace looks like an Italian chateau. Its architectural design is Corinthian with a dash of the Islamic touch. The columns, pediments, the five domes and elliptical shapes of the Mehal have attracted tourists from all over of the country.
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[karakoram]

nice share mate

 

[Muhammad Omar]

no Wazir Khan Mosque?

 

[ghazi52]

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Sunehri Masjid, Peshawar

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Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore.

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