Wazir
Mansion
Foremost among Karachi’s
historic buildings, is the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali
Jinnah. The house is a balconied, three-storied structure on Newneham
Road, located in Kharadar, one of the oldest residential areas of
the city. The house has been declared a protected national monument.
Quaid-E-Azam’s
Mausoleum
This white marble Mausoleum with its curved Moorish Arches and copper
grills rests on an elevated 54 Sq. meters platform. The cool inner
sanctum reflected the green of a four tiered crystal chandelier
gifted by the Peoples Republic of China. The memorial slab framed
with silver railings draws people from far and wide who come to
pay their respects to the father of the Nation and to watch the
impressive change of guard ceremony that takes place everyday. Today,
the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum is a prominent and impressive
landmark of Karachi. Nearby are the graves of the “Quaid-e-Millat”,
Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Qauid’s
sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.
Liaquat
Hall/Bagh-E-Jinnah
Liaquat Hall is surrounded by the Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah Garden).
Originally called Frere Hall, it was once used as Town Hall where,
during colonial days, concerts and social events were held regularly.
This two storey Venetian Gothic building now houses the Liaquat
Municipal Library on the ground floor and an art galley on the first
floor. Named after one of Pakistan’s renowned artists, Sadquain,
the gallery displays a permanent collection of the artist’s
work. Sadquain spent last year of his life, painting a huge mural
on the ceiling of the gallery bur, sadly, did not live to complete
it.
National
Museum Of Pakistan/Burns Garden
This museum, on Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road, contains an important collection
of items relating to Pakistan’s ancient heritage. Well-arranged
galleries display Indus Civilization artifacts, Gandhara sculptures,
Islamic art, miniature paintings, ancient coins and manuscripts
documenting Pakistan’s political history. There is also an
interesting ethnological gallery. The construction work was completed
in 1960’s.
Empress
Market
Built by the British to commemorate the silver Jubilee of Queen
Victoria’s reign, this historic market is designed in the
domestic Gothic style. From its center rises a tall clock tower.
The market contains shops that sell meat, fish, poultry, vegetables
and other groceries. The foundation stone was laid by Sir James
Fergusson, Governor of Bombay on 10-11-1884. The market was inaugurated
by Mr. Prichard, the then Commissioner of Sindh on 21-3-1889.
Masjid-E-Tooba
Situated in the Defence Housing Authority, Masjid-e-Tooba is a modern
architectural marvel. It is said to be the largest single dome mosque.
The dome covers central prayer hall with a capacity to accommodate
congregation of 5,000 people. The mosque’s single minaret
stands 70 meters high.
Mereweather
Tower
Positioned as the landmark of Karachi’s main business center,
Mereweather Tower is another historical monument of Karachi. It
stands 35 meters high and carries a four- faced clock. The Tower
construction work was completed and opened for the public by Sir
Evans James in 1892. The Tower was constructed in the memory of
Sir William L. Mereweather who was the Commissioner of the Sindh.
Sindh
High Court
Built in the Renaissance style, this magnificent sandstone building
is a combination of local and Roman styles of architecture. It is
embellished with cupolas, balconies and tall Roman style columns.
Clifton
Beach And Funland
Close to the popular seaside of the city, is Clifton Beach, where
Karachiites flock to on weekends and holidays. Scattered along the
shore are numerous stalls selling handicrafts made from seashells.
Clifton has an amusement park with a bowling alley, and an aquarium.
Bazaars
and Shopping
Shopping in Karachi is a delight. There is the Sarafa Bazaar, a
typical oriental gold and silver market in the city’s old
quarters. Among the many colourful shopping areas offering a wide
variety of local goods, is the Zainab Market where cotton dresses
and handicrafts are available. Shops in the Saddar Co-operative
Market have a wide collection of handicrafts made from onyx wood
and brass. Bohri Bazaar is also a typical oriental market, where
endless variety of goods is available. Other modern shopping centers
are at Clifton, Zaib-un-Nisa Street, Abdullah Haroon Road and Mohammad
Ali Jinnah Road. The old Eastern Bazaars are in Juna Market, Kharadar,
Mithadar and Jodia Bazar, which are worth visiting
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