World Heritage Sites in Pakistan

World Heritage Sites in Pakistan

Pakistan is a melting pot of cultures and civilizations it has a rich cultural heritage. Each conqueror, traveler and sage has left behind an imprint that added a step to the cultural evolution of this region.

Alifye - Pakistan Study - World Heritage Sites in Pakistan

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort was built in the 1540s by Sher Shah Suri. The fort was subsequently extended by Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Ruins at Meonjodaro

Harappa and Meonjodaro were part of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished over 4500 years ago. One of he Best Known Scupltures from Meonjodaro is a bust known as the King Priest.

Takht Bahi: 

Located near the city of Mardan. Takht Bahi was unearthed in early 20ty century in 1980. It was included in the UNIESCO world Heritage list as the largest Buddhist remains in Gandhara. The remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol located in south Takht Bahi also date back to the same period.

Texila

Texila Illustrates the different stages in the development of ancient city on the Indus Texila was inscribed in the World Heritage list in 1980.

The Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens. The Shalimar Garden was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. These two remnants of the Mughal era were inscribed together in the list of world Heritage Sites in 1981.

Lahore fort is the only monument in Pakistan that represents a complete history of Mughal architecture as it was renovated added to and improved upon by subsequent Muhal rulers  after Emperor Akbar.

Alamgiri Gate is presently the main entrance of the fort. It was built by Emperor Auranzeb Alamgir.

Shish Mehal, or Palace of Mirrors

Shish Mehal, or Palace of Mirrors, stands in the north of the fort. The roofs are embellished with thousands of tiny mirrors reflecting the best of a traditional craft of Shishgari from Punjab Shish Mahal, was built as an official residence for the empress of Shah Jahan.

Makli Sindh

Makli is situated a few kilometers outside Thatta. Once a city of great strategic importance that prospered until the Indus River changed its course away towards the east. It is believed that the necropolis grew around the tomb of the 14ty century Sufi Saint, Hamad Jamali.

Historical Monuments of Thatta

Thatta’s  ancient burial ground on Makil Hills.

Intricately carved sandstone monuments are a feature of this site. The symbols on the graves depict gander. A women’s grave is adorned with jewelry whereas a man’s grave is adorned with warriors on horseback. Thatta Monuments were inscribed in the list of World Heritage Sites of Pakistan in 1981.