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Lahore Zoo is in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, established in 1872, one of the largest zoo in South Asia. It is currently managed by the Wildlife and Parks department of the Government of Pakistan. A nice neat and clean place to enjoy with families. Kids really enjoy watching their favorite animals in zoo
A Pakistani boy arranges food stuff for 'Iftar', a time to break the fast, during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Monday, Aug. 24, 2009 in Lahore, Pakistan. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan observant Muslims throughout the world refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from sunrise to sunset. (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)
The Lahore Fort, locally referred to as Shahi Qila (Urdu: شاهی قلعہ) is citadel of the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern corner of the Walled City of Lahore. The trapezoidal composition is spread over 20 hectares.
Origins of the fort go as far back as antiquity, however, the existing base structure was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556–1605), who was a Secular Emperor of Hindustan (India) and was regularly upgraded by subsequent rulers, having thirteen gates in all.[1] However, it is said to be built first in 800B.C. Thus the fort manifests the rich traditions of Mughal architecture.[2] Some of the famous sites inside the fort include: Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha pavilion, and Moti Masjid. In 1981, the fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Shalimar Gardens (Lahore).
Source: Wikipedia
The Postcard
A postally unused postcard that was produced by Bremner of Lahore and Quetta. The card has an undivided back.
Sheesh Mahal (Lahore Fort)
The Sheesh Mahal (Urdu: شیش محل; “The Palace of Mirrors”) is located within the Shah Burj block in the northern-western corner of Lahore Fort in Pakistan.
It was constructed under the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631 and 1632. The ornate white marble pavilion is inlaid with pietra dura and complex mirror-work of the finest quality.
The hall was reserved for personal use by the Imperial family and close aides. It is among the 21 monuments that were built by successive Mughal emperors inside Lahore Fort, and forms the jewel in the Fort’s crown.
As part of the larger Lahore Fort Complex, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Origin of the Sheesh Mahal Name
Sheesh Mahal, or "Palace of Mirrors," takes its name from the reflective glass tiles which embellish the interior.
Sheesh Mahal, in Urdu language, literally means 'Crystal Palace'. However, with its pietra dura decorations and intricate mirror-work inlaid into the white marble walls and ceilings creating a glistening effect, the lavish room has come to be known as the 'Palace of Mirrors'.
History of the Sheesh Mahal
The solid brick foundations of Lahore Fort were laid in 1566 under the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar the Great on the location of an earlier mud-fort. To build the new fort, the Emperor brought in experienced artisans after the completion of Fatehpur Sikri.
Later, Shah Jahan converted the fort into a pleasure resort and added Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid, Naulakha Pavilion, sleeping chambers, and Sheesh Mahal in to the complex.
Sheesh Mahal is located within the Shah Burj (King's Pavilion) block that was actually built by his predecessor Jahangir. The chamber was exclusively used for private council meetings as part of the daily routine of the emperor, whereas the whole block was only accessible to the imperial princes, the vizier, and selected courtiers.
The addition of private quarters by Shah Jahan continued between 1628 and 1634. The distinctive Shah Jahani architecture is reflected in the extensive use of white marble.
During the Sikh Empire, Shah Burj became Ranjit Singh's favourite place. He built a harem over the top of Sheesh Mahal. This was also the place where he used to display his prized possession, the Koh-i-Noor.
Design of the Sheesh Mahal
The walls of the Sheesh Mahal are elaborately decorated with a myriad of reflective glass tiles. The building’s ceiling is also adorned with mirror-work.
The Sheesh Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. It was built in the middle of Jahangir's rule. The façade, consisting of five marble arches supported by coupled columns, opens into the courtyard. The engrailed spandrels and bases are inlaid with precious stones.
The pavilion is in the form of a semi-octagon, and consists of apartments roofed with gilded cupolas and intricately decorated with pietra dura and convex glass and mirror mosaic using thousands of small mirrors. At night they light candles.
The decorative features also include stucco tracery and carved marble screens in geometrical and tendril designs. The roof of the central hall rises up to two storeys.
The hall was originally decorated with fresco paintings that were later replaced with glass mosaic in different colours. Coloured glass was also used throughout the interior.
Conservation of the Sheesh Mahal
The additional constructions carried out during the subsequent Sikh and British rules of Punjab on the top of Sheesh Mahal added to the dead load that made the structure vulnerable to collapse.
In 1904-05, the plaster from the ceiling of the main veranda fell down, exposing the decay of internal wooden beams and corrosion of the roof. At this stage, the building was listed by the department of archaeology of British India in 1927, and the repair work was carried out. Similar problems arose in 1960's, and were resolved through minor repairs.
In 1975, Sheesh Mahal was listed as a protected monument under the Antiquities Act by Pakistan's Department of Archaeology.
In 1981, as part of the larger Lahore Fort Complex, it became inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was not until 2006 that the problems of the ceiling were comprehensively resolved, and the structure was restored.
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Veiled women supporters of a Pakistani religious group chant slogans during a rally to condemn flogging of a woman, Saturday, April 4, 2009 in Lahore Pakistan. Pakistani authorities ordered inquiries into a video showing the public flogging of a screaming woman in a northwestern valley where officials have yielded to Taliban demands for Islamic law. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
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