Postcard from Lahore - Wazer Khan Mosque

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Instagram @gaynor.shaw.photography

A number of weeks ago, when you could still travel around Pakistan, we visited Lahore.  This was my first visit to Lahore and I can see why visitors return again and again.  Lahore was originally the capital of Pakistan and has a long and varied history.  Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Mughal, Afghan, British, Pakistan - each new arrival leaving an interesting layer of culture, history, art and religion. 

 Lahore has a walled inner city and the Wazer Khan Mosque is near the Delhi Gate.  The mosque was built in 1634-41 AD during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.  The mosque courtyard floor has detailed brickwork. The walls and ceilings are covered in tile work known as ‘kashi-kari’ and detailed frescoes with calligraphy, flowers and geometric designs. 

 Outside noisy, daily live continued, food vendors called out to people walking by, the narrow streets busy with motorbikes, carts and rickshaws.   However, inside the courtyard it was peaceful, a place to slow down, pray and contemplate life.  As a photographer I loved the building’s details, small, richly coloured ceramic tiles, peeling paint revealing layers beneath, intricate designs of flowers.  I also loved seeing how the space is used today.  People came to pray, food was being prepared, washing was being done on the roof. 

 The mosque has been listed as a possible UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Restoration work has been ongoing since 2009 to try and save this incredible piece of history that is still in use today and hopefully for many more years to come. 

Postcard from Punjab - Rohtas Fort and the Lion King

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Rohtas Fort, Jhelum, Punjab, is about a two hour drive south of Islamabad. We arrived there early at 11am (this is considered early in Pakistan) and there were relatively few visitors. It was also a good idea to go in winter as it would be terribly hot walking around in summer as there is little shade.

Built in the 16th century at the request of Sher shah Suri ‘The Lion King’ Rohtas Fort took approximately ten years to complete. It was built between the mountains of Afghanistan and the Punjab plains to stop the advances of Murghal Emperor Humayun. It is now a UNESCO heritage site.

The site is large, over twelve acres, and a lot of the fort remains in various states of repair. There are four kilometres of wall, twelve gates and 68 bastion towers. There is a shorter inside wall walk that took us around 2 hours, allowing for photo opportunities and climbing up and down some very steep stairs. You can also do a longer outside wall walk.

Never attacked, now protected, a must see piece of history.

Shah Chandwali Gate

Our wonderful guide, Mohammed

Shah Chandwali Gate and view of Haveli Man Singh

Wall and battlements

View of outside wall

Steep steps lead up to battlements

View of Shah Chandwali Gate from food storage area

Haveli Singh

Shahi Masjid - merlon shaped battlement detail - design means ‘Allah’

Interior Shahi Masjid

Haveli Man Singh

Inner courtyard and wall

Rohtas town

Detail of Sohail Gate balcony and brackets.

Detail of Sohail Gate doorway

Sohail Gate