The antiques hub
The Walled City of Lahore is not just about the buildings and architecture. It has much more to offer in its markets – bazaars. The life, vibrancy, colours, variety and exuberance we find in the bazaars of the Walled City cannot be seen in any other part of Lahore, or maybe Pakistan. It is no doubt the largest hub of markets along with heritage and history. Enter from any of the thirteen gates of the Walled City; you would be caught in the vitality and merriment of the bazaars. The bazaars of the Walled City are another hidden wonder which people are not much aware of.
Our ancestors usually talked about Shah Alami, Rang Mahal, Sarafa Bazaar but our new generation is limited to the newly built malls and markets with lavish foreign items and brands. I can recall my parents getting the household items from these markets, especially if there was a wedding in the family, all the shopping was done from these markets. I remember it was actually fun to explore these markets and shop around. Unfortunately, the local industry, especially the cottage industry of our city, has gone down because of the less projection and importance given to them over the period of time.
Our ancestors usually talked about Shah Alami, Rang Mahal, Sarafa Bazaar but our new generation is limited to the newly built malls and markets with lavish foreign items and brands
The Walled City of Lahore has some of the Asia’s biggest markets in it. Pakistan Cloth Market, Sheikhupurian Bazaar and Akbari Mandi (spice market) cannot be missed from the list. There are almost thirteen markets inside the Walled City of Lahore. What else the Lahoris want!
Coming from Delhi Gate and going towards Sonehri Mosque, the straight path leads you to the Kasera Bazaar. It is in close proximity of Rang Mahal Chowk and can be accessed through the Waan market as well. Kasera Bazaar was established nearly 125 years back. About 100 shops are present here. This bazaar is famous for household utensils and crockery. You think of a kitchen item and it is there. From tableware to all types of cooking utensils, you will find a huge variety of crockery. The items are mostly made of iron, steel, brass and copper.
Inside Kasera Bazaar you will find antique crockery and decoration pieces as well. There is a huge variety of chandeliers, lamps, wall hangings and vases. These pieces are nowhere seen in other markets outside the Walled City of Lahore. The uniqueness of this bazaar is its antique utensils and decorative items. It also provides the items on wholesale. The place is also an attraction for the foreign tourists. Many souvenirs are exported from this bazaar.
The old traditional crockery polishers (kalayee wala) were once found here in every nook and corner of the bazaar. Unfortunately, as the copper and brass crockery got replaced by stainless steel, those people also vanished and at present only one polisher shop is seen in this bazaar. This shows how the culture has changed.
At present we need to change the trends of tourism and also project a softer image of Pakistan. Small initiatives like Walled City Shopping Festival and promotion of each bazaar can bring a positive image as well as revive the fading away trends and culture
Unfortunately, our authorities do not promote the bazaars as a tourist spot. People are now familiar with the new markets all around the town but we have neglected the true heritage and cultural hubs of our city. In Iran, Turkey, Germany and many cities in Europe and even our neighbour India, bazaars are main tourist attractions. The economic growth of these cities depends largely on their bazaars. Similarly, in Dubai the Shopping Festival is promoted all over the world. Lahore, despite being the largest hub of markets, has never been promoted in the same way. It is negligence and lack of interest on part of our decision makers and authorities.
At present we need to change the trends of tourism and also project a softer image of Pakistan. Small initiatives like Walled City Shopping Festival and promotion of each bazaar can bring a positive image as well as revive the fading away trends and culture.
