tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370217937277096512024-03-14T17:54:11.331+05:00Muzzammil's TravelsCountries Traveled: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Macedonia, Malaysia, Montenegro, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State
Email: muzamil79@gmail.comMuzzammilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267145786469274249noreply@blogger.comBlogger14013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137021793727709651.post-28777697853730295322022-04-19T09:34:00.008+05:002022-04-20T08:23:28.952+05:00Upcoming Event: Bohra Food Street, April 22, 10pm<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUKEX7ka1PkZyOhsBCR51e5ooC86H8kkw0PWzlFDO7kq9PwPWPSzQXzZVl4C-in1hgxZ7LDDHmMkZK3M4bTRxapouQpRTlqHMnrzBUQQMKLujUTTvxPpgF9jpzDld4Mi76jcuFacKzsYNAYIMEwuGbjrU3Rh_djkSKLcS-TwcUsc194H4Jninbq-s/s4000/IMG_20220325_183111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUKEX7ka1PkZyOhsBCR51e5ooC86H8kkw0PWzlFDO7kq9PwPWPSzQXzZVl4C-in1hgxZ7LDDHmMkZK3M4bTRxapouQpRTlqHMnrzBUQQMKLujUTTvxPpgF9jpzDld4Mi76jcuFacKzsYNAYIMEwuGbjrU3Rh_djkSKLcS-TwcUsc194H4Jninbq-s/w400-h300/IMG_20220325_183111.jpg" title="Chaat - a Gujarati Snack also Famous in Karachi" width="400" /></a></div><br />Karachi never sleeps! We Karachiites love late night outings, fresh sea breeze, and fiestas to distract ourselves from the urban chaos and a hectic day life.<p></p><p>During Ramzan, this habit reaches its peak with dwellers popping-out from all corners rushing around the food outlets for a night out all the way till Sehri. This is what Karachi vibe is. Let's be part of this craziness and indulge in the food scene!</p><p>There's method to madness though. The plan is to explore a unique place, a food street which only gets alive during Ramzan nights, and then shuts for the rest of the year.</p><p>We will hangout around Bohri Food Street, located in the old city, which offers a variety of Gujarati styled street food at one place: Khattay Aaloo, Bhel Puri, Chaat, Kaleji Bun (this you'll not find elsewhere), Limka, Saifi Sharbat (whatever it is), Malpura (sweetish), and what not</p><p>There's another seasonal street market around; makeshift stalls where we will do window shopping for those Eidi envelopes, ornated with traditional emblems and inspired patterns.</p><p>In the vicinity, we have quite a rich stock of colonial heritage buildings which are an additional treat to explorers and photographers. You don't get a chance to capture them in the wee hours otherwise.</p><p><b>What is Bohri?</b> Bohri (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawoodi_Bohra">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawoodi_Bohra</a>) is one of the communities of Karachi which makes an ubiquitous part of city's heritage and cultural diveristy. This community finds its roots in the Indian State of Gujarat. Apart from their distinctive religious rituals and outfits, the community is famous for their peaceful demeanors, inherited trading skills, and above all a whole variety of food.</p><p>So guys, buckle up and join us in this mouth watering crawl. We will try whole lot of food and drink varieties virtually the whole night. Keep your Aftari light for that day so that you can have and digest the once in a lifetime opportunity!</p><p>This is a family and community friendly event. Everyone is welcome regardless of their affiliation and opinion. Please keep a budget of Rs. 1,000; half for contribution during food tasting and rest for your own choosing. Please put on weather friendly clothing. A pair of joggers or walking friendly shoes is an absolute must along with a bottle of water to keep you hydrated and a roll of tissue papers, wet wipes are even better.</p><p>Travelers in town, backpackers, and photographers will be given priority in case there is space constraint.</p><p>You are highly encouraged to invite a Bohri friend or two, or a friends from other communities, so that we learn from each other in an inclusive environment. </p><p>Friday, April 22, 2022, 10pm-01am</p><p>Meeting Point: Pakistan Chowk</p>Muzzammilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267145786469274249noreply@blogger.com0Pakistan Chowk, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan24.8539874 67.0124112-3.4562464361788443 31.856161200000003 53.164221236178847 102.1686612tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137021793727709651.post-51423264294965671132021-04-09T17:01:00.009+05:002021-04-09T23:04:35.269+05:00Invitation: City Walk - Ranchor Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z18_pnU9cII/YHBCcP9RWvI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/SJQUU-wTDL0Jqz1Ogphl14LCR-nUYvZEACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/01%2BMorning%2BWalk%2Baround%2BKarachi%2527s%2BHeritage%2BSites.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z18_pnU9cII/YHBCcP9RWvI/AAAAAAAAK2Y/SJQUU-wTDL0Jqz1Ogphl14LCR-nUYvZEACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/01%2BMorning%2BWalk%2Baround%2BKarachi%2527s%2BHeritage%2BSites.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Schedule: Sunday, April 11, 2021</p><p>Meeting point (Sabri Nihari House, near Urdu Bazar, M. A. Jinnah Road): <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/MHjXvZqR5cLxgqgG9">https://goo.gl/maps/MHjXvZqR5cLxgqgG9</a> </p><p>Meeting time: 6:30am </p><p>Breakfast and end of event: ~9:30am Pakistan Time</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Lets explore around one of the oldest neighborhoods in Karachi: Ranchor Line! (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazdarabad">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazdarabad</a>)</p><p>The locality is not only old but also inhibited by a distinctive community, known as Silawat, which moved from Rajastahan in India during the British Raj to capitalize on their unique stone-masonry skills. This community was the one behind the yellow-stone work on colonial heritage sites spread around the old city! <a href="https://www.arabnews.com/node/1367946/pakistan">https://www.arabnews.com/node/1367946/pakistan</a> </p><p>During our morning excursion, we will wander around those narrow allays passing through Ranchor Line, will try exploring historical sites in the locality, and will speak to inhabitants hoping there are at least a few early-risers. We will also peek into Qawwal Gali (http://herald.dawn.com/news/1153223) in the nearby Garden West precinct before meeting the oldest tree of the town residing in Karachi Zoo – time permitting. <a href="https://tribune.com.pk/story/1941810/karachi-zoos-150-year-old-tree-continues-mesmerise-visitors">https://tribune.com.pk/story/1941810/karachi-zoos-150-year-old-tree-continues-mesmerise-visitors</a> </p><p>In between, we will also hop in and off the public transport; W11 and likes, to make full use of the peaceful Sunday morning!</p><p>For breakfast, we may take recourse on the omnipresent Quetta hotels for chae, paratha, and omelet. Or we may switch to a more exciting and authentic alternative which we may find on our way - keeping it flexible and fun. </p><p>There are no charges to the event. You are expected to contribute your part of the expense for breakfast and bus ride, usually in the range of Rs. 100-200 per person (one or more participants in the event would have to volunteer to collect and pay the contribution).</p><p>This is a family friendly event where we welcome enthusiasts from all age brackets. In previous such walk we had elderlies accompanying us, as well as infants in the baby pram - all had good fun!</p><p>Also a great opportunity for travelers who are visiting Karachi to explore around the real city and meet locals in an authentic way.</p><p>Please keep a bottle of water and preferably a small day-pack. We will walk ~3km so a comfortable pair of shoes is necessary. </p><p>For coordination, please email me (<a href="mailto:muzamil79@gmail.com">muzamil79@gmail.com</a>) with your contact number.</p><p>To know more about it, here goes a glimpse of one such earlier city walks which I arranged and could document: <a href="http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2017/09/city-walk-2-empress-market-to-frere.html">http://mozumbus.blogspot.com/2017/09/city-walk-2-empress-market-to-frere.html</a></p><p><br /></p>Muzzammilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267145786469274249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137021793727709651.post-24948021379840291572020-07-22T15:14:00.000+05:002020-07-28T14:20:57.266+05:00City Walk 8: The Mystery of Guru Mandir and Death of Haunted Houses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/SN8qgSV2iphQLdzf7">Guru Mandir</a> is Karachi’s busiest and hence the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/477372/karachi-exposed-to-acute-lead-pollution">most polluted</a> traffic junction.
This is where Karachi’s oldest road, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali_Jinnah_Road">Bandar Road</a>,
later renamed as M A Jinnah Road, starts. Loaded and dilapidated commuter buses bring
shoppers, students, workers and whatnot from Karachi’s infinite localities to
this station with bus conductors wildly waving and chanting at the top of
their lungs: Guru Mandir, Guru Mandir, Guru Mandir!<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are a
Karachiite in your 30s, or above, you shall effortlessly relate to this mantra
along with the other ear breaking shouts of Saddar, Sadddar, Sadde! But new
generation Karachiites, younger Millennials and Generation Z, might need an
educational Round-the-City trip on the legendary <a href="https://arynews.tv/en/karachi-w-11-bus-now-a-star-attraction-at-melbourne-museum/">W-11</a> to make sense of it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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From the name
Guru Mandir, it suggests that this junction is named after some Hindu Temple,
which shall be located nearby. Presence of such a Mandir would have not been
surprising because precincts around had mainly been inhabited by
Hindus before the 1947 partition. One such neighborhood, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cpUW2Ce1jZxuVfUk9">Amil Colony</a>, gently stretches from Mazar-e-Quaid to Islamia Science College and was the prime
abode of Karachi’s Hindu merchants. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However,
this is not the case; there is no Hindu Temple located in the vicinity with this name.
Interestingly, there are at least a couple of Mandirs around, one in the
next-door Soldier Bazar neighborhood called <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/oXitzJo8hheQPKf37">Shri Punch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir</a>. The other one, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/P4tAoL1vp1TfdHN88">Shiv Mandir</a> is relatively
obscure and located at the far-end of Amil Colony in front of Dawood
Engineering College.
None of them is a Guru Mandir!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the
question arises, where does Karachi’s Guru Mandir located, if it exists at all?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In search of
the answer, I circumambulated around the chaotic traffic junction a few
times in the past also, peeped into the alleys, and talked to busy shopkeepers, only
to inhale more and more lead filled smoke coming out of bus exhausts while also
threatening my hearing sense amid the pressure horns and unchecked rickshaw
silencers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Then I tried
Google, obviously!<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the web
space, I found out there were other wanderers also in town bitten by the same
curiosity bug who even documented their finding, or lack of it. Their expeditions
suggest there is indeed a building, right at the intersection, affixed with a
marble nameplate “Gur Mandar” written in English. Ironically, even this
discovery only added to the mystery, rather than resolving it, because
structure of this old building looks like anything but a Mandir.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Below are
those ready readings on the topic:<o:p></o:p></div>
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- <a href="https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/347767-looking-for-the-mandir-at-gurumandir">Looking for the Mandir at Gurumandir</a> published in the daily The News, 2012 <o:p></o:p></div>
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- <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1161014">Temple run: Searching for the lost Guru Mandar</a> by Akhtar Balouch in the daily Dawn, 2012<o:p></o:p></div>
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- <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1269268">Ownership of Guru Mandir still contested</a> by Saher Baloch in the daily Dawn 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
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This month, July
2020, Saher Baloch, one of the writers referred above also, wrote a piece on
BBC Urdu website, finally settling the dust, with a new unexpected perspective, albeit well backed by official records, that this place was actually a Gurdwara – a place
of worship in Sikh religion!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is the
write-up link: <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-53329857">https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-53329857</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This
unexpected conclusion confused me even more; if Guru Mandir is not a Mandir then what is the authenticity of the
infamous and widely broadcasted attack on Karachi’s Guru Mandir in 1992 by a
Muslim mob in revenge to the sad demolition of Babri Masjid in India? Why a
Gurdwara is named Mandir? How and when "Gur" transformed into "Guru" in the urban jargon? And so on... <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Shiv Mandir - Reality vs Controversy</b></div>
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After
reading the BBC article, the curious me woke up again forcing me to search more truth.
I discussed the idea with my wanderer friends to explore around Amil Colony hoping
we could find more links of the story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So the last
weekend, 18<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> July 2020, I arranged two back-to-back
Photo Walks around <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rF1gRz8YHcd3rTeHA">Jigar Murad Abadi Road</a> which sort of connects the site of Guru Mandir and Shiv Mandir. We started with
the later – existence of which is no myth. </div>
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Rather than resolving the case of
Guru Mandir’s existence and denomination, I smelled interesting controversies
around this place also!<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the top
of Shiv Temple entrance, A.D. 1943 is clearly visible. However it is not evident
if this is the date of temple’s first construction or later renovation. What I
know for sure is this place was not in use for past many years, if not decades.
Pondering and wondering why no-one visits this place, especially when other
Mandirs in Karachi are active and frequented by Hindu Yatris, I imagined an
answer perhaps based on my prejudices and street observations rather than any
concrete knowledge. The theory is Shiv Mandir must have been restricted to
higher caste Hindus residing in the affluent neighborhood before the
partition and who migrated to India subsequently. They must not have allowed
the lower caste Hindus who were left behind in Pakistan to visit this Mandir
and rather opted to lock it down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple of
years back I noticed some activity in the Mandir – a group of Hindus from some
other district in Karachi were celebrating Holi inside the previously
inaccessible compound! It was a pleasant surprise to me, more so because it was
the first time I saw the gate of Mandir wide open enabling me to have a glance
inside. At the occasion, I met Saghar, who introduced himself as the caretaker
of Shiv Mandir. I asked if I could visit the place some other calm day when I
would not be a disturbance to the devotees. His response was positive – so I
took his cell number.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Last week
when I called him telling my intentions, he sounded skeptical. I still gave it a try,
took my friends to the Mandir and called him again. He came to the gate but
refused to open it for us telling he was not authorized. I was disappointed but
could understand his position and reluctance since there is a recent
controversy about building of new Mandir in Islamabad and that such things can
easily escalate in the Sub-Continent for violent and chaotic episodes of any
imaginable scale.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I tried the very next day, again early morning, with next batch of photographer
enthusiasts, two persons suddenly appeared on a motorbike. For once, we forgot
the Mandir and started counting on the luck to protect our mobiles and cameras
from potential muggers. Meanwhile, one of the persons politely asked about the reason of our assembly – hinting they were also on some sort of temple duty. We quickly
controlled our safety instincts and requested him if he could help us
sneak in. We were lucky again – Sajan was a Godsend! Sagar obliged him and let us in
with clear warning that we shall not take photographs. It was still a big deal because
in other accounts, which I referred above, even coercion was reported merely for
observing the site from the outside.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As expected,
a host of idols were present in the temple, Shiv and family being the chief one
residing under the main tomb. What I noticed, maybe out of my prejudice, all
the idols were new – confirming my presumption that the temple was earlier
abandoned purposefully by higher caste Hindus and hinting that it has been now encroached
by some other local Hindu sect only recently – most probably by a lesser caste! The
tomb and the entrance also looked renovated – mainly a repaint. The previously authentic
looking sandstone tomb is now painted white which the contemptuous me found a
little less sacred. While trying to grab a prohibited photo from the inside, I
was hoping that the new white color of the tomb is only an undercoat and will
soon be layered with the original shade. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Globe Chowrangi where Jigar Murad Abadi Raod Starts from </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entrance of Shiv Mandir which is Often Confused with Guru Mandir </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX95IpNZaaA/XxgBr_l6GpI/AAAAAAAAKhI/GWaV9Aut30U_Gz1VT_dxXkux-Kq9y2t8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/04%2BPlaque%2Bat%2BShiv%2BMandir%2Bis%2BDated%2B1943%2B-%2BBefore%2BPartition%2BIMG_20200719_085644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX95IpNZaaA/XxgBr_l6GpI/AAAAAAAAKhI/GWaV9Aut30U_Gz1VT_dxXkux-Kq9y2t8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/04%2BPlaque%2Bat%2BShiv%2BMandir%2Bis%2BDated%2B1943%2B-%2BBefore%2BPartition%2BIMG_20200719_085644.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plaque at Shiv Mandir is Dated 1943 - Before Partition </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TALaSovzaSo/XxgJVnfakUI/AAAAAAAAKjc/Iu-nUNGJoeY4qhWbR-WJArdKugDZgqH5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/33%2BCrown%2Bat%2BShive%2BMandir%2Bis%2BSimilar%2Bto%2Bthe%2BOnes%2Bat%2BOld%2BBungalows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TALaSovzaSo/XxgJVnfakUI/AAAAAAAAKjc/Iu-nUNGJoeY4qhWbR-WJArdKugDZgqH5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/33%2BCrown%2Bat%2BShive%2BMandir%2Bis%2BSimilar%2Bto%2Bthe%2BOnes%2Bat%2BOld%2BBungalows.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Crown of Shiv Mandir is Deprived of Typical Hindu Figurines Except for a Snake and Oam Sign</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvlQPklwKu4/XxgB03TZjtI/AAAAAAAAKhM/z358Fh5iFbId-H64DctOVZ32SNBGBFgxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/05%2BInside%2Bof%2BShiv%2BMandir%2BIMG_20200719_091309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvlQPklwKu4/XxgB03TZjtI/AAAAAAAAKhM/z358Fh5iFbId-H64DctOVZ32SNBGBFgxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/05%2BInside%2Bof%2BShiv%2BMandir%2BIMG_20200719_091309.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We Felt Lucky to be Allowed Inside</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO7HbLRaI1I/XxgCRZm9lqI/AAAAAAAAKhY/pyZ3LA0kmh8Dfo4Khm5-O46iiE8VFh1lACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/06%2BIMG_20200718_074234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nO7HbLRaI1I/XxgCRZm9lqI/AAAAAAAAKhY/pyZ3LA0kmh8Dfo4Khm5-O46iiE8VFh1lACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/06%2BIMG_20200718_074234.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Obviously Cannot be Labelled as Religious Harmony</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Haunted Houses and the Surviving Duo</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When Hindu
merchants who were living around this Shiv Mandir, in Amil Colony, moved out of
the city after 1947 partition, their properties, mostly 1,000 yard bungalows,
had been exchanged with Muslim merchants who moved in the opposite direction –
from India to Pakistan – through official paperwork. Since then, the locality
had been witnessing a gradual change in its outlooks and character. A series of
urban developments occurred only leaving a few bungalows, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Khoti</i>, in their original condition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until a couple
of decades back, when the sprawling low-rise residential buildings had yet to
be envisaged, quite few of such <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kothis</i>
used to look like haunted houses mainly due to the lack of maintenance and
inheritance disputes. Later on, ambitious local real estate builders grabbed
the opportunity arose from the change in city by-laws and killed most of these
ghost houses replacing them with double or triple storied apartment blocks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Among the
surviving <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kothis</i>, I spotted a duo not
only well maintained but also possessing striking architectural similarity with
Shiv Mandir!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crowns at
the facade of these two bungalows and Shiv Mandir are almost identical as if
designed and curated by the same mason. The overall architecture and structure of
these houses indicate that the original inhabitants must have been affluent enough
to construct and maintain such properties. The other interesting, but not
surprising, aspect was the absence of idols and figurines on the facade, which
is otherwise typical to Hindu culture. While having lusty looks on these
heritage treasures, I imagined ganesh sitting in the small empty frames
on outer walls!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uppxMYr8yiU/XxgDSQgSoZI/AAAAAAAAKhk/SL04IN7A-9YDx_XwuZAGlWf_yoMRYtHRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/07%2BProbably%2Bthe%2BOnly%2BSurviving%2BSinlge%2BStory%2BBungalow%2Bin%2BAmil%2BColony%2Bin%2BOriginal%2BCondition%2BIMG_20200718_080941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uppxMYr8yiU/XxgDSQgSoZI/AAAAAAAAKhk/SL04IN7A-9YDx_XwuZAGlWf_yoMRYtHRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/07%2BProbably%2Bthe%2BOnly%2BSurviving%2BSinlge%2BStory%2BBungalow%2Bin%2BAmil%2BColony%2Bin%2BOriginal%2BCondition%2BIMG_20200718_080941.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Probably the Only Surviving Single Story Bungalow in Amil Colony </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y17aPR8v-fM/XxgD3G-wrYI/AAAAAAAAKhw/oaJHER9G4sIUFYdCljYt3v49fNoBVkh1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/10%2BIMG_20200718_080749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y17aPR8v-fM/XxgD3G-wrYI/AAAAAAAAKhw/oaJHER9G4sIUFYdCljYt3v49fNoBVkh1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/10%2BIMG_20200718_080749.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Front Look: The Original Low Height Boundary Wall is Augmented with a Couple of Brick Layers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCrwBYIxL9g/XxgET1qVZpI/AAAAAAAAKiA/ZPlZT7FnekEacbVTppYA0LUIsHIGw1rwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/09%2BA%2BPeek%2BBack%2BInto%2BHistory%2BIMG_20200718_080843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCrwBYIxL9g/XxgET1qVZpI/AAAAAAAAKiA/ZPlZT7FnekEacbVTppYA0LUIsHIGw1rwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/09%2BA%2BPeek%2BBack%2BInto%2BHistory%2BIMG_20200718_080843.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Peek Back Into the History </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdWeJfR74dg/XxgEfUTR_OI/AAAAAAAAKiE/4s08tBZ4i-kSMdPLqQ1uBM8RNoVTuJd2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/35%2BIMG_20200718_080941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdWeJfR74dg/XxgEfUTR_OI/AAAAAAAAKiE/4s08tBZ4i-kSMdPLqQ1uBM8RNoVTuJd2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/35%2BIMG_20200718_080941.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Closer Look of the Signature Crown</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdNTfS7XKpw/XxgEq7V5zqI/AAAAAAAAKiI/m2cvnM5g2S079OP70C8uj9qhtqw7-jh2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/08%2BThere%2Bis%2BAnother%2BAuthentic%2BOne%2Bwith%2BDouble%2BStory%2BStructure%2Band%2BSome%2BModifications%2BIMG_20200718_075632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdNTfS7XKpw/XxgEq7V5zqI/AAAAAAAAKiI/m2cvnM5g2S079OP70C8uj9qhtqw7-jh2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/08%2BThere%2Bis%2BAnother%2BAuthentic%2BOne%2Bwith%2BDouble%2BStory%2BStructure%2Band%2BSome%2BModifications%2BIMG_20200718_075632.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is Another Authentic One with Double Story Structure and Some Modifications</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj6BDnILE9I/XxgEzU7_NaI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/c2oheF4ld2EEtqRYi8smXpj4Zm3-LsuqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/11%2BIMG_20200718_075731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj6BDnILE9I/XxgEzU7_NaI/AAAAAAAAKiQ/c2oheF4ld2EEtqRYi8smXpj4Zm3-LsuqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/11%2BIMG_20200718_075731.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facade of the Double Story Survivor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MKs5lZUoKw/XxgE9IUAO0I/AAAAAAAAKiY/vTOVUifpld4tZ6oF3DDoWs-aFVlp6WeFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/12%2BIMG_20200718_075753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="582" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MKs5lZUoKw/XxgE9IUAO0I/AAAAAAAAKiY/vTOVUifpld4tZ6oF3DDoWs-aFVlp6WeFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/12%2BIMG_20200718_075753.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Intricate Design with Crown Resembling the that of Shiv Mandir</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmN0XKQFlkk/XxgFJi10zOI/AAAAAAAAKig/4-Lc_0A1W0EHD5NY4bCRlvlWjQ24WcZqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/14%2BIMG_20200718_075833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmN0XKQFlkk/XxgFJi10zOI/AAAAAAAAKig/4-Lc_0A1W0EHD5NY4bCRlvlWjQ24WcZqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/14%2BIMG_20200718_075833.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karachi's Vanishing Heritage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddoRGJWOl8U/XxgFa-9thHI/AAAAAAAAKis/kekIRxbSQjAUFhe6TK9mwPekgSo6bBUZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/15%2BIMG_20200719_084530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddoRGJWOl8U/XxgFa-9thHI/AAAAAAAAKis/kekIRxbSQjAUFhe6TK9mwPekgSo6bBUZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/15%2BIMG_20200719_084530.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Frame on the Outside Wall of Another Nearby Old Bungalow</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zi_pXkUorc/XxgFqo9PL1I/AAAAAAAAKi0/esB_TsPFXpwAE77ML0C9eCWFZiLkQCBgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/16%2BIMG_20200719_082938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zi_pXkUorc/XxgFqo9PL1I/AAAAAAAAKi0/esB_TsPFXpwAE77ML0C9eCWFZiLkQCBgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/16%2BIMG_20200719_082938.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"ilaqa-e-ghair" Right in the Middle of Karachi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga9qWC0AcV4/XxgF4mHHe4I/AAAAAAAAKi4/28WRGfRO9B4H3kd3pp0cHWSbUfehsL7FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/17%2BIMG_20200719_085003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga9qWC0AcV4/XxgF4mHHe4I/AAAAAAAAKi4/28WRGfRO9B4H3kd3pp0cHWSbUfehsL7FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/17%2BIMG_20200719_085003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful Mini Patel Para!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Prasad</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the way
to Gur Mandar, on Jigar Murad Abadi Road, streets are named as Cosmopolitan
Society. We also photographed a few heritage houses there, however, most of
them looked to be built post partition, or fundamentally renovated, in
different decades.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Main target
of our photo walk was to locate the marble slab inscribed with “Gur Mandar”
which was supposed to be located at the other end of Jigar Murad Abadi Road,
across M A Jinnah Road, besides Sabeel Wali Masjid. Before continuing with the
morning walk, we fulfilled the most sacred Karachi ritual of filling ourselves
with Chaye Paratha at the roadside Quetta hotel, or <i>Dhaba</i>. After getting recharged with the tea, we continued the walk
towards our destination complaining about the weather which already turned hot
and humid at 8 am! On the way, the photogenic flower nurseries along with
multicolor clay pots, a vintage bus and Victorian horse carts were hard to
ignore and made the walk longer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bS-6ELBHgkI/XxgHqNEbv8I/AAAAAAAAKjI/AD6Ap4FfOeEqQzuFbDiteg-gzT0HF08MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/19%2BIMG_20200718_084427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bS-6ELBHgkI/XxgHqNEbv8I/AAAAAAAAKjI/AD6Ap4FfOeEqQzuFbDiteg-gzT0HF08MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/19%2BIMG_20200718_084427.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Yummy Layered Paratha</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leokDur76Q4/XxgH2rG9djI/AAAAAAAAKjM/CY0lvaD2WskLArw5JN39AP_ky6cyhjfWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/18%2BIMG_20200718_084312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leokDur76Q4/XxgH2rG9djI/AAAAAAAAKjM/CY0lvaD2WskLArw5JN39AP_ky6cyhjfWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/18%2BIMG_20200718_084312.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paratha is Incomplete with a Chainak of Tea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNzW_eTyF2w/XxgKIrSw4DI/AAAAAAAAKjk/G5W17ii2XjUlxpITc8U5Djvs5ceOAPnkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20%2BIMG_20200718_095546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNzW_eTyF2w/XxgKIrSw4DI/AAAAAAAAKjk/G5W17ii2XjUlxpITc8U5Djvs5ceOAPnkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20%2BIMG_20200718_095546.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cosmopolitan Society was said to have Haunted Houses which are no more with us: RIP! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WolPg1mC-18/XxgLAJmM0JI/AAAAAAAAKjs/2hJ05C1tj3Ql9YnpT7KToQy4Scbm329OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/21%2BIMG_20200718_100007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WolPg1mC-18/XxgLAJmM0JI/AAAAAAAAKjs/2hJ05C1tj3Ql9YnpT7KToQy4Scbm329OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/21%2BIMG_20200718_100007.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An Old Tree in the Cosmopolitan Society</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jPPTX4-oW8/XxgLK_n5ZrI/AAAAAAAAKjw/Vbsb5mh5yo8yo1H4arX8zRbU2FVYNmiegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/23%2BIMG_20200718_095936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jPPTX4-oW8/XxgLK_n5ZrI/AAAAAAAAKjw/Vbsb5mh5yo8yo1H4arX8zRbU2FVYNmiegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/23%2BIMG_20200718_095936.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can You Spot the Jinn Camouflaged in this Colorful Tree? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0j-4oLgB98/XxgLcaKrSsI/AAAAAAAAKj8/Zz-Brqa3XNYXKRwQfd1yQ9gBUBO_AJ33ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/24%2BIMG_20200718_100250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0j-4oLgB98/XxgLcaKrSsI/AAAAAAAAKj8/Zz-Brqa3XNYXKRwQfd1yQ9gBUBO_AJ33ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/24%2BIMG_20200718_100250.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another Relic of the Past</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZGGRQXuEdI/XxgLpjkNUdI/AAAAAAAAKkA/RpaE2pXTaYAZYxsMRa4hylboHoWdPB1PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/25%2BIMG_20200719_073116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZGGRQXuEdI/XxgLpjkNUdI/AAAAAAAAKkA/RpaE2pXTaYAZYxsMRa4hylboHoWdPB1PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/25%2BIMG_20200719_073116.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A House in Cosmopolitan Society is Dated 1932</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYm8-qqL6nc/XxgLy602BJI/AAAAAAAAKkE/Q_al6k8yM_0UwRjwY_xBLO2y7aXSLLItQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/26%2BIMG_20200719_073127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYm8-qqL6nc/XxgLy602BJI/AAAAAAAAKkE/Q_al6k8yM_0UwRjwY_xBLO2y7aXSLLItQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/26%2BIMG_20200719_073127.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Protege of Hassan Ali Effendi - an Influential Educationist of 19th Century </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Gur Mandar Discovered</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, we
reached Sabeel Wali Masjid and asked the passersby about the exact location of our
destination. One person, who was sipping tea at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dhaba </i>outside the mosque, directed us to the totally opposite direction.
We circled around the mosque only to find ourselves at the same place with no
success. On the same path, I revealed our intentions to a rickshaw wala who was
resting beneath an old tree. He listened to us and pointed out at some
government building right next to the mosque. I asked him again reiterating my
question more clearly – he also repeated the same gesture, then only I realize
that he was actually pointing out at the exact same plaque we wanted to witness.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally, the
pilgrimage was successful and we felt like finding our destiny! Interestingly,
at the top of the building, board of some government department was affixed,
successfully camouflaging the target.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was
definitely an old structure with low height boundaries and a lot of open space
between the boundary wall and the building inside. The iron gate outside was
totally locked but we could see the whole structure easily through walls. While
we were planning to jump across the walls, a labor sitting outside the wall
under another old tree showed us the other door, which was open. There was
no-one inside the gate, but a teenage boy, of Pathan looks, voluntarily
appeared and accompanied us inside the walls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The wooden
gate of the inside building was locked more firmly with no chance of further
trespassing. We tried to peek into the inner hall but all the windows around
were also foolproof. Inside the outer boundary, and in front of the main inner
wooden gate, there was a recently constructed structure, which was half-razed
interestingly. The boy told us that it was being constructed illegally some
years back and was then destroyed by the municipal authorities probably during
the recent anti encroachment drives in the city. From the background, it felt
like someone was yelling at us as if hushing away from the antique place.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ignoring the
untimely divine intervention, we found an interesting seating arrangement –
like a baithak – probably setup by the missing caretaker of the property. Importantly,
it was shaded and enough space for five of us to sit and relax while grabbing a
group photo. It was time to finish with today’s urban exploration – which was
made sure by another teenager of the similar looks who showed up as if in some
emergency. The young angry man was almost yelling at us while telling
fragmented tale of his last fight with the trespassers like us. He was the one
we were hearing from the background while entering into the building. He was
actually shouting from the top of the next-door residential building as part of
his additional sentry duties assigned by some “judge” residing in the
neighborhood!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We had
already achieved our goal and finished with the photoshoot, so there was no
point in staying there anymore. While we were getting out of Gur Mandar
premises, I asked the youthful protocol whether they had been inside of the
building and what did they see? The question toned down the hyper one – the main
benefit of my curiosity. They both hurriedly reported a big empty hall with no
indication if it was a place of worship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While we
achieved the target for the day, but questions remained unanswered. It was
getting unbearably hot, cooling down our curiosity and rather forcing us to
jump into the rickshaw right from the point we located the sought after plaque:
“Gur Mandar”!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXDjktXhEbc/XxgM8NyhRyI/AAAAAAAAKkU/YJodDa7eePknirEd2Oc_U4nQPuBzmtmsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/27%2BIMG_20200718_102428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXDjktXhEbc/XxgM8NyhRyI/AAAAAAAAKkU/YJodDa7eePknirEd2Oc_U4nQPuBzmtmsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/27%2BIMG_20200718_102428.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding this Board was Today's Achievement!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe53NYOTe3c/XxgNIL6eqQI/AAAAAAAAKkY/uCK2avpg0zI-REuUcQBQYQ0KdPyFvJo-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/28%2BIMG_20200718_101606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe53NYOTe3c/XxgNIL6eqQI/AAAAAAAAKkY/uCK2avpg0zI-REuUcQBQYQ0KdPyFvJo-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/28%2BIMG_20200718_101606.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We Tried to Peek In But Windows Were Shut Tight from the Inside</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdApbAPGTXY/XxgN1RfpPqI/AAAAAAAAKk0/w95-v1jnXlIGN0QbiBiyaJRpcUPbU-rKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/31%2BIMG_20200718_101927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdApbAPGTXY/XxgN1RfpPqI/AAAAAAAAKk0/w95-v1jnXlIGN0QbiBiyaJRpcUPbU-rKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/31%2BIMG_20200718_101927.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Effects of Thunderstorm and Rain a Day Earlier</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fR4hA-4qo4/XxgNZz0BnyI/AAAAAAAAKkg/Wkort7G0llYyjRDyoofZ0HbUdKDnIwopgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/29%2BThe%2BOnly%2BSign%2Bof%2BLife%2Bin%2BGuru%2BMandar%2BCompound%2BIMG_20200718_101412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4fR4hA-4qo4/XxgNZz0BnyI/AAAAAAAAKkg/Wkort7G0llYyjRDyoofZ0HbUdKDnIwopgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/29%2BThe%2BOnly%2BSign%2Bof%2BLife%2Bin%2BGuru%2BMandar%2BCompound%2BIMG_20200718_101412.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Only Sign of Life in Guru Mandar Compound </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4JfPH_HRZ0/XxgNrLTD2lI/AAAAAAAAKks/dIawqywXh5kP24YeuVDWnpwFvin0jMkXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/30%2BIMG_20200718_101447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4JfPH_HRZ0/XxgNrLTD2lI/AAAAAAAAKks/dIawqywXh5kP24YeuVDWnpwFvin0jMkXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/30%2BIMG_20200718_101447.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Cozy Place in a Hot and Humid Day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJcPHSUtkDU/XxgOLuO3zJI/AAAAAAAAKlA/mHOzd-UGBDAjSVMy8L3F6HIxXUz6MvabACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/32%2BWish%2BI%2BCould%2BTalk%2Bto%2Bthis%2BTree%2BOutside%2Bthe%2BGuru%2BMandar%2BCompound%2Bto%2BSolve%2Bthe%2BMystery%2521%2BIMG_20200718_102030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJcPHSUtkDU/XxgOLuO3zJI/AAAAAAAAKlA/mHOzd-UGBDAjSVMy8L3F6HIxXUz6MvabACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/32%2BWish%2BI%2BCould%2BTalk%2Bto%2Bthis%2BTree%2BOutside%2Bthe%2BGuru%2BMandar%2BCompound%2Bto%2BSolve%2Bthe%2BMystery%2521%2BIMG_20200718_102030.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wish I Could Talk to this Tree Outside the Guru Mandar Compound to Solve the Mystery! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You can email me at muzamil79@gmail.com if you would like to add anything to the story or if you wish to join us for city tours and excursions<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Muzzammilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13267145786469274249noreply@blogger.com6Guru Mandir Chorangi, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan24.8806158 67.040063324.8788153 67.0375418 24.882416300000003 67.0425848