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10/18/2022
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[{"address":"National History Museum","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":31.594979309767695,"longitude":74.31171029999999},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":391},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FNational-History-Museum-Lahore.jpg?alt=media&token=91ab96ac-f999-4101-8140-f49637a31fc0"},{"type":"text","content":"Pakistan’s first National History Museum, established in Greater Park, digitally presents all aspects of Pakistan’s history. The museum celebrates and preserves Pakistan’s ideology and its struggle for Independence. One part of the museum shares tales from the War of Independence and the first few years of the newborn state, while the digital walls and several other sections of the museum depict the Pakistan Movement and its inception. The museum also highlights life after Pakistan’s inception, including the condition of government offices, important aircrafts belonging to the Pakistan Army, and the first train that carried people to Lahore after partition. Virtual reality, holograms, interactive screens, and 3D cinemas result in an immersive experience that takes visitors through the history of our ancestors. The semi-circle structure also contains a gift shop, a Heroes’ gallery, and an amphitheatre. It remains open from Tuesday to Sunday and the timings are 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. The ticket price ranges from PKR 50 to PKR 250."},{"metadata":{"width":1920,"height":1080},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FNational%20History%20Museum%20-%20Lahore.mp4?alt=media&token=e3fabaff-b52d-4620-a178-2b1e975915c8"}]},{"address":"Minar-e-Pakistan","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":31.592818409766856,"longitude":74.3090937},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1334},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FMinar_e_Pakistan_2021.jpg?alt=media&token=dadfa775-c625-4ced-bf0c-2c466f4676ec"},{"type":"text","content":"Standing tall and proud in the midst of Old Lahore, Minar-E-Pakistan is a constant reminder of the tiresome journey of independence. It was built to commemorate the Pakistan Resolution (Lahore Resolution) which was passed in All India Muslim League session on 22-24 March 1940 held at the Minto Park now known as the Greater Iqbal Park.\n\nThe resolution passed by the only Muslim Political Party of the sub-continent demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The vision of the Great Iqbal was finally coming to life who claimed in 1930 in Allahabad “India is a continent of human groups, belonging to different races, speaking different languages, and professing different religions. Personally, I would like to see the Punjab, North-West Frontier Provinces (NWFP), Sindh and Balochistan amalgamated into a single state.\n\nSELF-GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE BRITISH EMPIRE, OR WITHOUT THE BRITISH EMPIRE, THE FORMATION OF A CONSOLIDATED NORTH-WEST INDIAN MUSLIM STATE APPEARS TO ME TO BE THE FINAL DESTINY OF THE MUSLIMS, AT LEAST OF NORTH-WEST INDIA.” THIS RESOLUTION PUT THE WORDS OF IQBAL IN PRACTICAL EFFECT. IT DID SO IN THE FOLLOWING WORDS “THE AREAS IN WHICH THE MUSLIMS ARE NUMERICALLY IN A MAJORITY AS IN THE NORTH-WESTERN AND EASTERN ZONES OF INDIA, SHOULD BE GROUPED TO CONSTITUTE ‘INDEPENDENT STATES’ IN WHICH THE CONSTITUENT UNITS SHALL BE AUTONOMOUS AND SOVEREIGN.\n\nThis resolution was the beginning of a new journey for all the Muslims of the subcontinent and a turning point in their lives as they finally got their own sovereign homeland in 1947 on 14th August.\n\n# Architecture of Minar-e-Pakistan\n\nMinar-e-Pakistan, a blend of Mughal and modern architecture is a design of Nasreddin Murat-Khan, a Russian born Pakistan Architect. He was also assisted by Abdur Rehman Khan Niazi. The construction of Minar-E-Pakistan started on 23rd March 1960 and took a total of eight years to be completed with a cost of somewhere between 5-7 Lacs. The funds were collected by imposing an additional tax on cinemas and horse racing.\n\nThe 70m tall building offers a spectacular view of the colourful city of Lahore and the astounding Badshahi Masjid. For those who can’t take the challenge of climbing 324 stairs, there is an elevator to see the picturesque view. The four platforms are a depiction of the struggle that the Muslims went through to get their homeland. They are made with four different stones Taxila stones, hammer-dressed stones, chiselled stones and white marble.\n\nMinar-E-Pakistan blooms with history as it is also the resting place of the writer of the national anthem of Pakistan Hafeez Jalandhari. It is not a mere monument which is a symbol of the Pakistan Resolution but the base of Minar-E-Pakistan reflects the religious and political sentiments of the whole nation as it has many Quranic verses, national anthem and speeches of both Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal and the resolution of Pakistan written in Arabic, Urdu, English and Bengali on white marbles.\n\nTen white marble slabs of 7/2 feet have the 99 names of Allah written on it and the entrance says Allah O Akbar showing the close affiliation that the people of this country have with their religion. Eight newly installed marble fountains on the main access add to the beauty of the memorial, emitting watery rainbows with the help of multicoloured lights.\n\nAccording to a professor, Mazhar Moeen of Punjab University the onion-shaped dome and pinnacle at the top are a representation of the Mughals in the south and a reminder to the onlookers that the Islamic Republic of Pakistan exists under the shadow of Allah Almighty. It presents the country as a place of peace and harmony. It glorifies Islam and boasts the sovereignty of Allah while also celebrating the political figures of the country who led the nation to where they are today.\n\nMinar-e-Pakistan is now surrounded by the Greater Iqbal Park which is a major tourist attraction in the city. It has an artificial lake and some very versatile and high-end restaurants serving the best quality of desi food to its visitors along with some exceptional live singing. The park has a walking track and is always full of people ready to explore the history of Lahore from a new perspective.\n\nEven today Minar-E-Pakistan stands as a link between the forefathers of the country and its youth and stands as a symbol of determination, achievement, strength and the power of standing up against tyrants with the hope of achieving the impossible. It has still not lost its political and strategical importance as many political rallies are still held here by different political parties attracting a large number of people every time."},{"metadata":{"width":1920,"height":1080},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FLAHORE%20DRONE%20VIDEO%20MINAR%20E%20PAKISTAN.mp4?alt=media&token=21c4a9b9-6e39-4e22-b922-bbfe6a2abfcb"}]},{"address":"Badshahi Mosque","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":31.5879483915045,"longitude":74.31147375},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":640},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FTMcC0XShYzoIhzNmFLsSLEKyLntR3geiRSQDFWRi.jpeg?alt=media&token=a586a53e-cfba-42d8-8daa-01f6d3de5e98"},{"type":"text","content":"# History of Badshahi Mosque\nThe construction of the mosque was started in 1671 under the prosperous and blooming dominion of the sixth Mughal Emperor Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad commonly known by the name of Aurangzeb. The Badshahi Mosque took only two years to be completed under the supervision of Fida’i Khan Koka who was Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s brother-in-law and the governor of Lahore. The mosque is heavily influenced by the Persian architectural style and Aurangzeb specifically followed the style of Shah Jehan’s Jama Masjid in Delhi. The common trait of both mosques is the red sandstone with white marble inlay. The entrance of the mosque further exudes its nobility and elegance.\n\nThe Badshahi Mosque full name \"Masjid Abul Zafar Muhy-ud-Din Mohammad Alamgir Badshah Ghazi\" is written in inlaid marble above the vaulted entrance. The glorious gate itself is very interesting as it contains several chambers that are not accessible by the general public, interestingly enough one of the rooms is said to contain the hairs of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and that of his son-in-law Ali. This is also considered to be one of the reasons for its construction.\n\nAs you pass through the entrance you set foot in an expansive sandstone paved courtyard spreading over an area of 276,000 square feet which can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers. The prayer chamber has a focal angled niche with five niches flanking it which is around 33% the size of the focal niche. The mosque has three marble vaults, the biggest of which is situated in the middle point of the mosque, and which is flanked by two smaller arches.\n"},{"type":"text","content":"# Architecture of Badshahi Mosque\n\nThe Badshahi Mosque is a display of the great taste and boldness of the emperor at that time, both the interior and exterior are very uniquely crafted. The rich embellishment in stucco tracery (Manbatkari) and paneling with a fresco touch enhance the interior of the mosque and stone carvings along with marble inlay on red sandstone, especially of loti form motifs in bold relief, beautifies the exterior. Four octagonal three-story minarets of 196 feet are found at the four corners of the mosque that are topped by a marble canopy.\n\nWhen illuminated in the evening the Badshahi Mosque offers a view that you can never miss! Especially now when this can be experienced while enjoying some quality food in the new food street offering a picturesque and stunning view of the mosque. As Pakistan became the top tourist destination of 2020 according to the Conde Nast traveler the country’s only attraction isn’t its astonishing mountain ranges but the historical city of Lahore promises to provide a world-class experience into the Mughal era, it precisely said:\n\nIN LAHORE, THE SIGHT OF 100,000 WORSHIPPERS CRAMMED INTO THE SANDSTONE 17TH-CENTURY BADSHAHI MOSQUE WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS, WHILE MUGHAL-ERA ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECES STAND RESPLENDENT ON BUSTLING STREET CORNERS.\n\nDiving into the history of the Badshahi Mosque a little more the real question that needs to be answered is why it was constructed. Some historical accounts have told us that the mosque was built in 1671 to commemorate the military campaigns of Aurangzeb against the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji. Many have also been known to say that the purpose was to protect the hair of the Last Prophet (PBUH). Another unbeknown fact about the Masjid is that it was the reason that the river Ravi’s bed changed. The mosque is constructed just a few meters away from the Lahore Fort.\n\nAs the river was flowing nearby it was constructed at an elevated platform to protect it from any kind of flooding. Historical reports have said that Emperor Aurangzeb ordered some barriers to be put in the river in order to keep the water away from the mosque and prevent it from the damage the intricate interior and exterior of the mosque. So over the course of time, the river changed its path.\n\nWhen you visit the Badshahi Mosque you will get to see more than just an area of prayer the place is filled with spots and nowadays a lot of bride and grooms too as many people follow the religious practice of having their Nikkah (the contract of marriage in Islam) in the Masjid. The Hazuri Bagh and the mosque will provide an experience that is unforgettable!\n\nThe Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort, Hazuri Bagh Baradar, Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Mughal era original Roshnai Gate, Tomb of Allama Iqbal, British era Roshnai Gate and tomb of Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan are all enclosed in the same area as Badshahi Mosque, guaranteeing an experience like no other.\n\nThe Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is an example of the religious harmony that exists in this city full of culture and history. Visiting this one place can provide an exceptional tour down the memory lane like no other, where you will see peace, harmony and art, love, and wonderful architecture all combined in one area."},{"metadata":{"width":1920,"height":1080},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FBadshahi%20Mosque%20Drone%20Shot%204K.mp4?alt=media&token=8f8d1a8d-6624-4a0c-8a2d-ebb077b3feb4"}]},{"address":"Sheesh Mahal","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":31.589745250933706,"longitude":74.31316794759414},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":669},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2F5768636809_c3c0e2fc2e_b.jpg?alt=media&token=28042220-4508-4636-8a10-09f34000024f"},{"type":"text","content":"Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Fort) is known for its beauty. It is embellished with countless mirrors, and they reflect the beauty of the fort!"},{"metadata":{"width":1280,"height":720},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2F%23Sheesh%20%23Mahal%20%23Lahore.mp4?alt=media&token=86154777-c8be-4aca-95e7-bcc0683a0b66"}]},{"address":"Lahore Fort","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":31.58881310976535,"longitude":74.31400404999997},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":800,"height":800},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2F1-10.jpg?alt=media&token=df3dc0da-0b01-450c-bbe4-346e784a0d0d"},{"metadata":{"width":800,"height":800},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2F2-10.jpg?alt=media&token=b691b53e-00de-4327-a2b7-b7f99060f41a"},{"type":"text","content":"Perhaps one of the most notable and famous forts of the Mughal era stands in the historical city of Lahore. Lahore Fort also known as Shahi Qila is one of the oldest forts of the subcontinent yet one of the most majestic of all of them. This architectural masterpiece contains twenty-one monuments which date back to Emperor Akbar and was consistently modified and rebuilt during the seventeenth century by featured both Hindu and Islamic architectural ideas. However, this fort was present during the eleventh century but recorded as a mud fort. Today at the northern end of Lahore’s walled city stands the mighty Shahi Qila with all its splendour and opulence.\n\n# History of Lahore Fort\n\nLahore Fort was modified not only during the reign of the Mughals but before them when the Mongols attacked and destroyed the mud fort in 1241 Sultan Balban of the Mamluk dynasty rebuilt the entire fort however it was destroyed again by the invading forces of Timur only to be rebuilt by Mubarak Shah Sayid. It was finally captured by the Mughal emperor Babur and remained under the Mughal control until the Sikhs and British.\n\nDuring the reign of Akbar, the Lahore Fort was restructured and much of what we see now is of that era. Jahangir’s reign saw the construction forts colossal picture wall, it featured Kala Burj pavilion which had paintings of angels and of Jesus and Madonna. Mariyam Zamani mosque was built adjacent to forts eastern wall and served as a place for Friday prayers. Shah Jehan's reign perhaps saw the addition of one of the most iconic mahals and pavilions. The most famous of which is sheesh mahal and naulakha pavilion these form what is called the Shah Burj.\n\nSince Persian style architecture was favoured in the Emperors time Diwan-I-Aam was constructed in the style of Chehel Sotoun a 40 pillar public hall. One of the most iconic gates of the Lahore Fort was constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb, the prodigious Alamgiri gate faces the famous Badshahi mosque and opens into the beautiful Hazoori garden. This gate symbolizes the power and might of the Mughal emperors and was also featured on Pakistan’s currency.\n\nWhen the army of Ranjit Singh captured the fort in 1799 from Bhangi Misl he repurposed several places of the Lahore Fort for their own use, for example, the Moti Masjid was converted into a gurdwara a “three doored pavilion” was added to the Lahore Fort and the forts Naag temple was also added during this reign. The famous Diwan-i-Aam was destroyed when Ranjit Singh's son Sher Singh bombarded the hall in his fight against Chand Kaur.\n\nThe magnificence and grandeur of Shahi Qila is not hidden in words but the overall experience of visiting the place. Walking up the giant elephant stairs which were used by the royal’s right next to picture wall we reach the shimmering Sheesh Mahal or the Palace of mirrors this one of a kind mahal is unique and no one has ever been able to replicate it.\n\nTill date, no one has been able to understand how the mahal was constructed and what material was used as a mirror. Not only was this mahal unique but the love story surrounding it was also one of a kind. Shah Jehan ordered its construction for his beloved wife Mumtaz mahal however before she could see it completed she died and consequently Shah Jehan ordered the construction of Taj mahal. Not only is the mahal immensely beautiful but the surrounding view of river Ravi was splendid. As one historian says\n\nTHIS NOVEL PALACE OF LOVE CAN SHINE AND FORM A GALAXY OF LIGHT WITH JUST ONE CANDLE IN THE NIGHT.\n\nNaulakha Pavilion is another tourist attraction due to the pietra dura work done on it. The name of this pavilion comes from the exorbitant amount of money (9lakh rupees) spent on it. The designs and frescoes made contained precious stones like jade, agate, and goldstone. Out of all the mahals created by Shah Jehan, Naulakha was his favourite because of the stunning views that it had of river Ravi.\n\nLahore fort is one the most remarkable monuments of Mughal history it symbolized there might and opulence not only is it one it's kind it has structures and pavilions which attract tourist from the around the world."},{"type":"text","content":"It is said that a whole day would not be near enough to fully explore the fort!"},{"metadata":{"width":1920,"height":1080},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FUVrqbZ8arr30133SKaQX%2FLahore%20Fort-%20Dji-%20drone%20video%20-Hazori%20bagh-mavic%20air%202.mp4?alt=media&token=57c08229-db47-43f7-a6d6-5d658e018cad"}]}]
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Muqaddam Ali
Pakistan

Hi, my name is Muqaddam, I am a local traveller who loves to travel. I have been to many places and have experienced different cultures. I love to learn about new things and meet new people. Not only that, but I am also a very adventurous person and I love to explore new places.

Meet Your Guide
5.0
rating
5
followers
Muqaddam Ali
Pakistan

Hi, my name is Muqaddam, I am a local traveller who loves to travel. I have been to many places and have experienced different cultures. I love to learn about new things and meet new people. Not only that, but I am also a very adventurous person and I love to explore new places.

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10/18/2022
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AWESOME TRIP
10/18/2022
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