Pakistani Cityscape
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'Blue Magic'... An artist from Multan doing 'KashiKari' on a lamp made from camel skin.These unique vases and lamps are typical to a certain region in Pakistan and are artistically hand crafted from camel skin using an art form called "kashi kari" The production is limited due to the intricate nature of art and the scarcity of artists.The floral and geometrical patterns and the white glazes embellished with rich shades of turquoise and deep blues are the hallmark of Multani ceramics, and one continues to be impressed by the beauty of these creations. Not only can these be used as aesthetically appealing utilitarian items, but they can enhance the decor of any interior, and the ceramic tiles continue to be used for the embellishment of architecture.Kashi Kari is method of hand painting ceramic products, in particular tiles and pottery, also known as blue pottery. This is a craft that is esteemed universally for its superb beauty and intricate craftsmanship. A huge theme of the work is the use of blue and turquoise paint.
Kashi Kari is a centuries old craft. Some of the oldest pottery excavated from archeological sites has been dated to 900 AD. It is believed to have originated from Kashghar, China (thus the name) and influenced by Persian culture owing to the extensive use of blue color and certain motifs
Services Club Multan or MGM in Multan Cantt Introduction Services Club Multan or MGM (Multan Garrison Mess) is a masterpiece of architect and example of its own. This building consisting of 13 domes of different sizes was constructed in 1880 constructed
The Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam is the glory of Multan. When the city is approached from any side the most prominent thing which can be seen from miles all around is a huge dome. This dome is the Shrine of Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fath commonly known by the title Rukn-i-Alam (pillar of the world). The tomb is located on the south-West side of the Fort premises. In beauty and grandeur so other dome perhaps equals it This elegant building is an octagon, 51 feet 9 inches in diameter internally, with walls 41 feet 4 inches high and 13 feet 3 inches thick, supported at the angles by sloping towers. Over this is a smaller octagon 25 feet 8 inches, on the exterior side, and 26 feet 1 0 inches high, leaving a narrow passage all round the top of the lower story for the Moazzan, or public caller to prayers. tomb of shah rukan alam
The whole is surmounted by hemispherical dome of 58 feet external diameter. The total height of the building, including a plinth of 3 feet, is 100 feet. As it stands on the high ground, the total height above the road level is 150 feet. This contributes materially to the majestic and colossal appearance of the tomb, making it the most prominent object of view to the visitors. Besides its religious importance, the mausoleum is also of considerable archaeological value as its dome is reputed to be the second largest in the world after 'Gol Gumbad' of Bijapur (India), which is the largest.
The mausoleum is built entirely of red brick, bounded with beams of Shisham wood, which have now turned black after so many centuries. The whole of the exterior is elaborately ornamented with glazed tile panels, string courses and battlements. Colors used are dark blue, azure, and white, but these are contrasted with the deep red of the finely polished bricks, while the result is both effective and pleasing. These mosaics are not like those of later day's plane surfaces, but the patterns are raised from half an inch to two inches above the background. This mode of construction must have been very difficult but its increased effect is undeniable, as it unites all the beauty and variety of colors with the light and shade of a raised pattern.
The grave of Hazrat Shah Rukn-i-Alam is of plain brick work covered with plaster. The tomb was said to have been built by Ghias-ud-Din Tughlak for himself, but was given up by his son Muhammad Tughlak in favor of Rukn-i-Aiam, when he passed away from this world during 1 330 AD at the age of 88. It is generally believed that Sh. Rukn-i-Alam was not. Equal in piety and sanctity to his illustrious grandfather Bahawal Haq, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most accomplished men of his age. He taught his disciples a modified form of metempsychosis, and discoursed with the people on metaphysical subjects.
He was on friendly terms with the saint Nizam-ud-Din of Dehli and was visited by the emperors of Dehli more than once. The hereditary guardians of the Shrine of Bahawal Haq and Rukn-i-Alam are called the Mukhdums of Multan, and they have thousands of disciples in southern Punjab and Sindh. Qureshi family. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussian Qureshi is current custodian ( sajjada Nasheen ) of Darbar Hazrat Shah Rukan-e-Alam
Multan is known as the 'City of Saints'. The city is full of bazaars, mosques, shrines and superbly designed tombs. A network of rails, highways and air flights has well connected Multan to the rest of the world.
Multan (Pakistan) is one of the oldest cities in the world and was a major center of Sufism in the middle of the last millennium. Today, the shrines of the saints are a reminder of that glorious bygone era. Here, I have captured the most magnificent of them all: the shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam. A masterpiece of pre-Mughal architecture, it is an octogonal structure with three tiers built entirely of red brick. Built at the site of the former Multan Fort, it commands an elevated location with sweeping views of the city below. My favorite monument in a country gifted with many.