This thread is intended to complement Karachiscape I.
I am putting these pictures up over here cause the website for it will be taking much longer than I expected, but eventually, you will be able to find lots more pictures on www.historickarachi.com.

Swerv if your intrested i fixed the frontpage thingy so if you want hosting from me it can work now

Karachi was a small fishing village before it was incorporated into the British Empire on 3rd Feburary 1839. This is the turning point that converted this sleepy fishing village into a bustling megapolitan city in a matter of a century and a half.

The British recognized the importance of the Karachi harbor and developed into a port city for the produce of North India. Consequently, Karachi experienced a great boom of buisness and industry and was a prime economic city even before the independence of Pakistan. Population and buisness activity in the city blossomed rapidly in the city in its early days, and still continues to do so which is a testament to the enormous potential of the city.

Since Karachi developed very rapidly in the days of the British empire, it is very rich in classical heritage that is slowly crumbling away. In this thread, I would try and highlight some of its heritage, and later update it with more descriptions, in an effort to help preserve the glorious history of this city.

With venetian gothic architecture, the Frere Hall Library is the most readily recognizable classical landmark of Karachi.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiFrereHall1.jpg


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiFrereHall2.jpg


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiFrereHall3.jpg


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiFrereHall4.jpg

The Kothari Parade was a generous public gift by a prominant citizen and philanthropist of Karachi, Jehangir Kothari.


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CliftonKothariKarachi02.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CliftonKothariKarachi06.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CliftonKothariKarachi08.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CliftonKothariKarachi07.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CliftonKothariKarachi03.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CliftonKothariKarachi01.jpg

This building with neo-classical rennaisance architecture stands out on the port side of Karachi. During the World War II, it was converted into a 500 bed hospital.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiPortTrustBldg01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiPortTrustBldg04.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiPortTrustBldg10.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiPortTrustBldg06.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiPortTrustBldg09.jpg

Very beautiful picture.

This very famous and very very misused landmark is an architectural jewel of Karachi since its early days. Currently, a crowded wholesale market marrs its beautiful architecture.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/EmpressMarketKarachi08.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/EmpressMarketKarachi06.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/EmpressMarketKarachi07.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/EmpressMarketKarachi03.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/EmpressMarketoldkarachi.jpg

I dont know y our govt. is doing nothing in this area to stop Land mafia
we must preserve this building

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/DJCollegeKarachi08.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/DJCollegeKarachi04.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/DJCollegeKarachi01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/DJCollegeKarachi16.jpg

Currently, this building has been converted into a performing arts center.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiHinduGymkhana02.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiHinduGymkhana05.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiHinduGymkhana06.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiHinduGymkhana10.jpg

well they say The Kothari Parade is in bad shape, but from the pictures it looks in excellent shape and the empress market needs a renovation.

Wonderful thread. Beautiful buildings.

Very nice British Raj architecture of Karachi. keep up the good work.

Neo-classical architecture, made from red jodhpur sandstone


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiHighCourt1.jpg

http://www.historickarachi.netfirms.com/images/High%20Court%201.jpg

http://www.historickarachi.netfirms.com/images/High%20Court%203.jpg

This building of the old Victoria Museum currently houses the Karachi branch of the Pakistan Supreme Court.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiSupremeCourt3.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiSupremeCourt1.jpg

The Karachi Municipal Corporation (defunct) building is probably the crown jewel of colonial era architecture in the city. It is made out of local gizri sandstone with a jodhpur red sandstone facing. The architecture is Anglo-mogul. The clock tower was made to commemorate the visit of King George V. Currently, this building and its surroundings are in a massive state of degradation and it needs urgent renovation efforts.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KMCBuildingKarachi01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KMCBuildingKarachi11.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KMCBuildingKarachi09.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KMCBuildingKarachi07.jpg

The architectural style of this beautiful public building is gothic revival. Situated on M. A. Jinnah Rd (former Bundar Rd) this building and its surroundings are in an extreme state of disrepair. Renovation and preservation efforts are urgently needed.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/MaxDensoHallKarachi2.jpg

This gothic architecture tower, was built to commemorate the illustrious service of a prominent civil servant of Karachi.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/MereweatherTowerKarachi07.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/MereweatherTowerKarachi02.jpg

This illustrious institution has been the alma mater of many prominent historic personalities in Pakistani and subcontinental history.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/SindhMadressahKarachi01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/SindhMadressahKarachi08.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/SindhMadressahKarachi04.jpg

Building 1 has a neo-classical styling:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/ChamberofCommerce2khi2.jpg

Whereas, Building 2 has a mughal gothic style of architecture. This building is also under urgent threat from unchecked construction and disrepair.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/ChamberofCommerceKarachi5.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/ChamberofCommerceKarachi3.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/ChamberofCommerceKarachi6.jpg

This building on M. A. Jinnah Rd, once housed the Karachi city jail. Now it is a courthouse.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/CityCourtsJailKarachi.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiCanttStation1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiCanttStation2.jpg

now houses the Karachi Cotton Exchange

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/KarachiStockExchange2.jpg

Now houses a library of the State Bank

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/StateBankKarachi1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/StateBankKarachi2.jpg

This beautiful building served as a residency of Miss Fatima Jinnah. Now it houses a museum.

gates:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/MohattaPalaceKarachi1.jpg

building:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/MohattaPalaceKarachi2.jpg

detail:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/MohattaPalaceKarachi5.jpg

Karachi has a number of beautiful old churches and cathedrals.

The St. Patrick's Cathedral:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiStPatricksCathedral6.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiStPatricksCathedral7.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiStPatricksCathedral3.jpg


The Chapel at the St. Joseph's Convent School:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiStJosephsConvent2.jpg

The St. Joseph's Convent Girls College:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiStJosephsConvent3.jpg

The Trinity Church Karachi whose bell tower used to function as a lighthouse in the early days of Karachi (two upper storeys of the tower were later removed due to foundation weaknesses):

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiTrinityChurch2.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/KarachiTrinityChurch3.jpg

The St. Andrews Church in Saddar:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/StAnthonysChurchKarachi1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Churches/StAnthonysChurchKarachi2.jpg

very good work

Awsome work swerveut, THANKS

y not put "The Mohatta Palace Museum" in the architecture forums for the poll

nice pics thax 4 sharing

well done nice pics :applause:

Thanks for the compliments y'all, there are more to come. Soon IA.

Now has a modern hospital designed around it.


http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Colonial%20Public%20Bldgs/thesis3096.jpg

This is a picture of an old British era mansion near the Mohatta Palace

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/HsenearMohatta4.jpg

This colonial era building was relocated and reconstructed by the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture from somewhere in Saddar to its campus premises:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/IndusValley1.jpg

Jinnah Courts hostels (presently the Rangers HQ):

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/JinnahCourtsrangersHQ.jpg

Napier Barraks on Shahrah e Faisal:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/KarachiL017.jpg

The Quaid e Azam House in front of Avari Towers:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/KarachiK062.jpg

The Sind Club:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/SindClub2.jpg

The Karachi Grammar School:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/KarachiGrammarSchool.jpg

on the Keamari sea port:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/KarachiHundone18.jpg

now known as I. I. Chundrigar Road.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/Karachik033.jpg


The City Railway Station:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/Karachik044.jpg

Building of the former Cox Shipping Agency (now houses the Saudi Pak Bank)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/CoxShippingKarachi02.jpg

The Mama Mansions:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/KarachiSaddarMamaMansions3.jpg

The Duarte Mansions:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/SaddarKarachi09.jpg

The Gool-Bai Maternity Ward (this building has been lying empty since the last 20 years):

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/SaddarKarachi02.jpg

The Elphinstone Street in Saddar:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Other%20Historical/ElphinstoneStKarachi02.jpg

Beautiful pics.Certain areas remind me of Mumbai!.Same saracenic style.

Karachi started its life as a small village named Kolachi-jo-Kun that in time got its own fort.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Oldkhifort.jpg

In colonial times, the british realized the importance of its location as a port for the subcontinent. It was intended to initially handle the agricultural produce of the Punjab and some upper Indian provinces.

(a view of Manora)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/ManoraPC.jpg

(a view of Kemari)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Keamari.jpg

In time, buisness started booming in Karachi, and a lot of the buisnesses started opening their branch offices in the city. Karachi witnessed a period of very rapid growth and in time, a lot of the buisnesses of the subcontinent relocated their head offices from Kolkata, and crowded Mumbai to the new city of Karachi.

(A view of Bundar Rd., now M. A. Jinnah Rd.)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/MAJinnahKarachi.jpg

(A view of the old city)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/CityViewsoldKarachi4.jpg

Buisness in Karachi boomed very fast and the population started growing at an exponential rate. This resulted in the construction of some very beautiful public buildings:

(the Frere Hall karachi)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/FrereHall1918.jpg

Great public colleges, monuments, and other institutions were also built

(the Dayaram Jethmal Science College)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/SindArtscollege.jpg

(the Trinity Church)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/holytrinity2.jpg

(the Mereweather Tower)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/Mereweatheroldkarachi.jpg

Karachi now was well connected through road, rail and even air links:

(the Cantonment Station Karachi)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/CantRailSta.jpg

(the Tramway system of Karachi)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/KhiHistoric2.jpg

(the airship shed of Karachi now the site of the airport)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/AirshipShedKarachinowairport2.jpg

Karachi got recreational and tourist facilities:

(the Karachi Gymkhana)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/karachigymkhana.jpg

(the Bristol Hotel)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/BristolHotel.jpg

and achieved world recognition:

(French aviator Etienne Paulet's landing in Karachi on his solo from Paris to Australia?)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/historickarachi/FrenchAviatorlandinginKarachi.jpg

After the independence of Pakistan, Karachi also accomodated millions of migrants to the new nation, and served as the capital city of Pakistan till the 1960's.

This is a short version of the history of Karachi.

wow! where did u get this picture from?

Beaufort Building: currently under threat of destruction.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2/swerveut/Karachik037.jpg


http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2/swerveut/Karachik035.jpg

Karachi was a small fishing village before it was incorporated into the British Empire on 3rd Feburary 1839. This is the turning point that converted this sleepy fishing village into a bustling megapolitan city in a matter of a century and a half.

The British recognized the importance of the Karachi harbor and developed into a port city for the produce of North India. Consequently, Karachi experienced a great boom of buisness and industry and was a prime economic city even before the independence of Pakistan. Population and buisness activity in the city blossomed rapidly in the city in its early days, and still continues to do so which is a testament to the enormous potential of the city.

Since Karachi developed very rapidly in the days of the British empire, it is very rich in classical heritage that is slowly crumbling away. In this thread, I would try and highlight some of its heritage, and later update it with more descriptions, in an effort to help preserve the glorious history of this city.

Karachi enjoys its prominent position, due to its geographical location on a bay, making it the seaport and the commercial center of Pakistan. It is one of the fastest growing cities of the subcontinent. After independence in 1947, Karachi became the capital of Pakistan till 1959, when Islamabad was selected to serve as the new capital city.

Though still debated, it is asserted that Karachi was the city of 'Crocola' or 'Krokala', which was Alexander's south Asian equivalent to Alexandria. According to historian Henry Elliot, Karachi is the ancient city of Debal or Dewal, 'the Temple' where Muhammad Bin Qasim landed. The name was acquired from the position the temple commanded at the promontory which was calculated to attract the gaze and reverence of the passing mariner.

The foundation of present day Karachi was established in the eighteenth century when the silting up of the Lari Bunder, the most important port of Sind, forced the fishermen of Kharak Bundar in 1729 to move to a small fishing village of Dirbo. This village was named after a fisher and became known as Kalachi-jo-Ghote (village of Kalachi) or Mai Kalochi.

The village expanded rapidly to become an important trading post. Fortifications were built with two main entrances, Mitha and Khara Darwazas. The prosperity was an attraction for many, and in 1794, despite valiant efforts of the Hindu and Muslim merchants, Karachi fell to the third siege laid by the Talpurs. Karachi, however, continued to prosper and attract merchants from all over the world. On September 29, 1799, the East India Company established its first factory. Karachi became important to British interest because of its position on the sea, it proximity to the river Indus, and its potential for trade as the gateway to the rest of Sind and Punjab. Conflict between the ruling Amirs of Karachi and the British was a constant feature until the British took over on February 2, 1839.

Prior to its annexation by the British, Karachi shared some of the spatial characteristics of better-established indigenous cities like Thatta and Hyderabad. The city had grown organically with narrow streets and small semi-public, semi-private spaces contained within mud brick architecture. Both Muslims and Hindus played prominent roles in the history of the city. Commercial and residential buildings and places of worship were intermixed and provided the residents convenient access to places of work and worship. The city was divided into mohallahs, where masjids and Hindu temples acted as the foci, while the Jumma bazaar held the central position of the city. The bazaar cut across from the Khara Darvaza in the west to the Mitha Darwaza at the eastern fortification wall. Neither the walls nor the darvazas survive today, however the area of the city known as Mitha Dar and Khara Dar still exist to remind the inhabitants of the origins of the city.

The city began to develop along parallel paths with the establishment of British rule. The concept of the 'Duel' city had a distinct impact on the spatial character of the city - the 'indigenous' or 'black' town and the 'modern' or 'white' town. The arrival of troops of the Kumpany Bahadur in 1839 spawned the foundation of the new section, the military cantonment. The cantonment formed the basis of the 'white' city where the Indians were not allowed free access. The 'white' town was modeled after English industrial parent-cities where work and residential spaces were separated, as were residential from recreational places.

Karachi was divided into two major poles. The 'black' town in the northwest now enlarged to accommodate the burgeoning Indian mercantile population comprised of the Old Town, Napier Market and Bunder, while the 'white' town in the southeast comprised the Staff lines, Frere Hall, Masonic lodge, Sind Club, Governor House and the Collectors Kutchery [Law Court] located in the Civil Lines Quarter. Saddar bazaar area and Empress Market were used by the 'white' population, while the Serai Quarter served the needs of the 'black' town.

The British wanted to model their Empire along the lines of ancient Rome and classical architecture was considered most appropriate for built monuments of the Raj. As T. Roger Smith, the Bombay architect maintained, the language of Raj architecture ought to be European since the British administration was advocating European Laws and ways of life to their Indian Empire. A European style of architecture also served as a distinct symbol of British authority and could be used as a rallying point for the British rulers to earn the respect and admiration of the natives of India.

The architectural character of Karachi was largely determined by amateur dabbling of administrators and engineers who used pattern books and architectural treatises and were influenced by corresponding contemporary popular revivals in England. The underlying cause of the blind adoption of styles was the lack of trained architects.

Karachi acquired its first neo-Gothic or Indo-Gothic building when Frere Hall was completed. James Strachan, Engineer and Secretary, became the most significant architect of the city. During the 1880s, he began experimenting with Indo-Gothic style. He is most well known for the Empress Market, which even today is one of the main markets of the city and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

English Tudor style was introduced in Karachi Gymkhana and the Boat Club. Italian Renaissance was very popular and was the language used for St. Joseph's Convent (1870) and the Sind Club (1883).

Classical style made a comeback in the late nineteenth century as seen in Lady Dufferin Hospital (1898) and the Cantonment Railway station. While 'Italianate' buildings remained poplar, an eclectic blend termed Indo-Saracenic or Anglo-Mughal also began to emerge in some locations. It is significant that the period in which Indo-Saracenic developed coincided with the stirrings of nationalist movements and the rise of Indian nationalism. Anglo-Mughal style was now considered more appropriate by the rulers to demonstrate their awareness of the cultural heritage of the subcontinent in the hopes of pacifying the rising tide of nationalism. Successful elements in this style are the arches, drooping chattris, minarets and cupolas.

The local mercantile community began acquiring impressive mercantile structures. Elphinstone Street in Saddar area is an example where the mercantile groups adopted the 'Italianate' and Indo-Saracenic style to demonstrate their familiarity with western culture and their own. The Hindu Gymkhana (1925) is an example of Mughal revival buildings. A Muslim architect, Agha drew his inspiration from Mughal architecture, the massing and plan was based on the tomb of Itamad-ud-Daulah in Agra. Mohatta Palace was also done by Agha in the Mughal revival style.

The spatial segregation of indigenous populations was strictly controlled though land ownership rights, and it was only after the First World War that upper class Indians were allowed to reside in the prestigious quarters of the city. The Bombay Town Planning Act of 1915 gave Karachi Municipality the impetus for proposing schemes for suburban areas. These included the Garden Quarter Town, Soldier Bazaar and Lyari Quarter. Much of the development of the residential sector at this time was due to the popularity of the corporative housing movement led by the well-known Parsi Mayor of Karachi, Jamshed Nusserwanjee to whose credit is what was probably the first planned residential area for the growing middle class, this area was later named Jamshed Quarters after him.

The separation of Sind from the Bombay Presidency in 1936, and declaration of Karachi as the newly created province's capital was in part reason for the city's construction boom. The municipality enthusiastically responded to the challenge and new areas were developed to accommodate the influx of people. In spite of a large numbers of migrants to the city, in this period Karachi was reputed for being the cleanest city. It was known for its clean and broad streets, its health and sanitation, parks and recreation grounds, libraries, hospitals and maternity homes, schools and cultural institutions. Due to his efforts, Jamshed Nusserwanjee is remembered as the "Maker of Modern Karachi'.

Karachi has remained the hub of all commercial and cultural activities, a city of opportunities and tall buildings. The architecture of post-Independence was still heavily influenced by the colonial style. While the1980's saw modernism and post-modernism factoring in the cityscape but architecture was largely neglected and remains neglected.


Sources:

Lari, Yasmeen, and Mihail S. Lari. 1996. The Dual City: Karachi During the Raj. Karachi: Oxford University Press, 03-285.

Khuhro, Hamida, and Anwer Mooraj. 1997. Karachi: Mega city of Our Times. Karachi: Oxford University Press, 01, 20-21, 216-217.

Ansari, Nuha. 1997. Karachi: Edge of Empire. Karachi: Ferozsons (Pvt) Ltd..

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/zees/Historical/gmniofdrfbmpdfm.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/zees/Historical/8uyh8yh87uhj8.jpg

Native Jetty bridge (Napier Mole) - (Now upcoming Food Street)
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/zees/Historical/hnynbynby.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/zees/Historical/7yhn7yhn7hn.jpg

DJ College, Sadaar
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Karachi Gymkhana, Saddar
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Empress Market, Saddar
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Saddar Eyeview
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Saddar Streets

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Johnny Stores refers to a stall on Elphinstone Street (now Zeb-un-Nissa street) run by a man named Jankidas in the 1930s and 1940s. Commonly known as Janki, British soldiers changed this to "Johnny." Johnny Stores used to sell toffees, sweets, chewing gum, pencils, pens, battery cells, and other odds and ends. It also sold nicely printed black-and-white postcards of Karachi that may have been photographed by someone else."

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Clifton
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Looking towards the St. Patrick's Cathedral over the Staff Lines
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Looking towards the St. Andrew's Church in Saddar.
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Looking towards the Civil Lines, the Sindh Club is in the foreground, and the Frere Hall can be seen at the back
These pictures were most likely taken from the bell tower of the Trinity Church
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A view of the Civil and Staff lines c. 1928, the Sindh Club can be seen in the foreground
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Karachi was divided into two major poles. The 'black' town in the northwest now enlarged to accommodate the burgeoning Indian mercantile population comprised of the Old Town, Napier Market and Bunder, while the 'white' town in the southeast comprised the Staff lines, Frere Hall, Masonic lodge, Sind Club, Governor House and the Collectors Kutchery [Law Court] located in the Civil Lines Quarter. Saddar bazaar area and Empress Market were used by the 'white' population, while the Serai Quarter served the needs of the 'black' town.

English Tudor style was introduced in Karachi Gymkhana and the Boat Club. Italian Renaissance was very popular and was the language used for St. Joseph's Convent (1870) and the Sind Club (1883).

Classical style made a comeback in the late nineteenth century as seen in Lady Dufferin Hospital (1898) and the Cantonment Railway station. While 'Italianate' buildings remained poplar, an eclectic blend termed Indo-Saracenic or Anglo-Mughal also began to emerge in some locations. It is significant that the period in which Indo-Saracenic developed coincided with the stirrings of nationalist movements and the rise of Indian nationalism

Elphinstone Street in Saddar area is an example where the mercantile groups adopted the 'Italianate' and Indo-Saracenic style to demonstrate their familiarity with western culture and their own. The Hindu Gymkhana (1925) is an example of Mughal revival buildings. A Muslim architect, Agha drew his inspiration from Mughal architecture, the massing and plan was based on the tomb of Itamad-ud-Daulah in Agra. Mohatta Palace was also done by Agha in the Mughal revival style.

Karachi acquired its first neo-Gothic or Indo-Gothic building when Frere Hall was completed. James Strachan, Engineer and Secretary, became the most significant architect of the city. He is also famous for Empress market and St Patricks cathedral.

The spatial segregation of indigenous populations was strictly controlled though land ownership rights, and it was only after the First World War that upper class Indians were allowed to reside in the prestigious quarters of the city. The Bombay Town Planning Act of 1915 gave Karachi Municipality the impetus for proposing schemes for suburban areas. These included the Garden Quarter Town, Soldier Bazaar and Lyari Quarter. Much of the development of the residential sector at this time was due to the popularity of the corporative housing movement led by the well-known Parsi Mayor of Karachi, Jamshed Nusserwanjee to whose credit is what was probably the first planned residential area for the growing middle class, this area was later named Jamshed Quarters after him.

separation of Sind from the Bombay Presidency in 1936, and declaration of Karachi as the newly created province's capital was in part reason for the city's construction boom. The municipality enthusiastically responded to the challenge and new areas were developed to accommodate the influx of people. In spite of a large numbers of migrants to the city, in this period Karachi was reputed for being the cleanest city. It was known for its clean and broad streets, its health and sanitation, parks and recreation grounds, libraries, hospitals and maternity homes, schools and cultural institutions. Due to his efforts, Jamshed Nusserwanjee is remembered as the "Maker of Modern Karachi.

Some Highlights

Classic pictures :)

Nice thread! :)

Nice thread! :)

Yeah, I really liked the pictures, I'm going to try getting some more pictures when I visit Karachi later this year :cheers:

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Today, the thought of Saddar conjures up images of Pollution, crowded streets and dilapidated buildings. Sadly, this is the state this once posh area of Karachi has regressed into. Believe it or not, Saddar was actually considered to be the intellectual and ‘European’ part of Karachi – from time of British annexation to 1970s.
Alexander F. Baillie, in his classic Easter eggs or Christmas cards are exposed to view, and where the newest sauces, the most novel condiments and the best of wines are also to be found.
Tailors, cobblers, carriage builders and chemists also worked in Saddar, in shops owned by Europeans, Goans and Parsis who lived in residential part of Saddar and it was here where they celebrated their religious holidays with much festivity.
Elphinstone Street (now Zebunissa Street) was a prime shopping spot, housing many upscale stores frequented by ‘Mem’ or ‘Memsahibs’, who in their noses in the air would ride in Victoria markets and churches. Which today serves as reminders of the glory of Saddar during British Raj.
One described as the ‘heart of Karachi’ many grand buildings were constructed in Saddar, These included Chruches: St Patrick Cathedral, St. Andrew’s Church, Trinity Church -- Schools Gothic style: Karachi Grammar School, St. Joseph’s School, St. Patrick’s School as well as the Majestic Empress Market, Parsis places of worship were also initially built in Saddar.
After Independence from British, Saddar continued to flourish as the intellectual center of Karachi, chock A block with Bars, Billiard rooms, Bookshops, Cinemas, Coffee shops, Clubs, Restaurants and Nightclubs. It was a cosmopolitan area, frequented by Intellectuals and Students.
Today all this has changed, while some of the colonial buildings have survived, the atmosphere of Saddar that was, clearly has not and unfortunately, Karachi today does not boast of an area that can even attempt to replace the Saddar of Yore, and the young of today have no comparable area for recreational and intellectual purposes.


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Karachi Press club

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Sind Club

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Club road

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Great to see this thread revived. :righton:

Karachi has beautiful Anglo-Indian architecture along with other types and its very crucial to expose it to masses to hopefully protect it.

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It'd be nice if some Western companies would refurbish these buildings and use them instead of constructing souless new buildings here and there. I'd also like to see street names revert back to their original names - to me, Victoria Road sounds better than Abdullah Haroon, and Lord Elphinstone sounds much better than Zebunissa.

It'd be nice if some Western companies would refurbish these buildings and use them instead of constructing souless new buildings here and there. I'd also like to see street names revert back to their original names - to me, Victoria Road sounds better than Abdullah Haroon, and Lord Elphinstone sounds much better than Zebunissa.

would prefer Sanskrit names myself..but Victoria Road sounds too colonial and sycophantic. You got to be kidding "Lord Elphinstone" sounds better than "Zebunissa". Latter is much more mysterious.

I'd also like to see street names revert back to their original names - to me, Victoria Road sounds better than Abdullah Haroon, and Lord Elphinstone sounds much better than Zebunissa.

I agree.

^ Me too, and I would also like the names of cities such as Faisalabad and Attock etc be changed back to Lyallpur and Campellpur...those names were much better!!

Leave Attock as it isn't a bad name!

Leave Attock as it isn't a bad name!

I also think Attock isn't a bad name. But putting taste aside and it being quite a large district, to rename it Campbellpur would be a bit overboard imo. Whilst the name "Attock" is millenia old, "Campbellpur" is centuries old only. It might be from a derivation of Sanskrit, and this might repulse people, but Sanskrit was created an developed in Ancient Pakistan - if you can accept Urdu as a national language (which in fact does have roots in many other countries), the original Sanskrit should also be accepted as it was used within the landmass of Pakistan for centuries before.

But alright, I will concede I don't like Abdullah Haroon and it needs changing :) , but this is down to taste and a lot of Pakistanis in Pakistan would probably prefer it.

Campbellpur isnt a Sanskrit name.....it was named after some English lord or any other personality....CAMPBELL .... whats Sanskrit in it :dunno:

Lets leave it for the pictures :)

You are free to discuss this in a different thread though.

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The karachi library

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Jinnah House, Karachi

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A church in Karachi

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Lady Dufferin Hostpital, Karachi
Lady Dufferin Hospital in Karachi was built in the 1870s.

Located on Chand Bibi Road, the hospital is dedicated to Lady Dufferin, wife of the colonial Governor General Lord Dufferin. It was begun in 1894, largely due to the efforts of Parsi millionaire and philanthropist Eduljee Dinshaw. The hospital lies in the vicinity of the Dow Medical College and Civil eneral Lord Dufferin. It was begun in 1894, largely due to the efforts of Parsi millionaire and philanthropist Eduljee Dinshaw. The hospital lies in the vicinity of the Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital. Like other of Dinshaw's projects, the hospital is known for treating the poor and the needy.

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The karachi library

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Jinnah House, Karachi
Its not a library, it is Frere Hall, Bagh-e-Jinnah
Then the second one is Mohatta Palace

^^Sorry, i don't know much about karachi, so i used the caption associated with the pictures. But isn't Frere Hall housing a library?

G...Frere Hall is only a library.... :) Moved_on ...plz correct your information.

I meant it is not "a library", it is "the Frere Hall".

OK :D Its Frere Hall which hosts a library.

Can we peacefully resolve as to what it is ! :tongue3:

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Karachi has a wonderful history that is neither discussed nor celebrated as much as the history of Mughal Lahore (see ATP post here). As we saw from the earlier ATP post on ‘whistling’ in Karachi (here), there is much interest in this, certainly from me. As someone who grew up in Karachi, the most I was taught about its history revolved around the history of its name (derived from the town of Mai Kolachi) and that the Venetian gothic style buildings were remnants of the British cantonments and Karachi’s short-lived existence as the capital city of Pakistan. (See some historical video footage of Karachi on ATP here).

Well, now I feel I know a bit more about my city, its rich history, and the architectural heritage that still stands impressively (despite languishing in neglect for decades). For that, I thank a wonderful website titled “The Story of Karachi“, which I was introduced to by the folks at the Karachi Metroblogs. Judging by its guestbook logs, the website has been in operation since mid 2005, but it seems it only recently become well known to the internet dwellers.

The simplicity of the narration deserves praise and clearly the material is organized such that it can continue to evolve almost as a wiki project. The photographs are simply awesome. Check it out.

I will try to cite a few interesting items from the website here, which I am sure many Karachiites would find fascinating, but would also be of interest to a broader audience:

Karachi’s is said to have been known as Barbarikon during the Indo-Greek Kingdom. That town became Kolachi jo goth when an old fisher woman by the name of Mai Kolachi settled there, and the town eventually came to be known as Karachi.
Kharadar and Meethadar areas are the sites of two gates of a fortress that was built near the village of Kolachi near Manora by the Talpura Amirs in the pre-19th century history.
The Talpura Amirs erected a small fort at Manora near the village, which had some cannons brought in from Muscat. The fort had two doorways: one facing the sea known as Khaara Darwaaza (Brackish gate) and the other facing the Lyari river known as Meetha Darwaaza (Sweet gate).

Karachi officially became a part of the British empire in 1843, which is also the year when the city got linked to Multan via river transport . That led to a significant growth in population
On February 1st, 1839, a British ship, the Wellesley, anchored off the island of Manora. By 3rd February, the fort at Kolachi had surrendered without firing a single shot and this small fishing village crossed a turning point in its life. Three years later in 1843, upon the annexation of Sindh into the British empire, the regional capital was transferred from Hyderabad to Karachi by Charles Napier, the first governor of Sindh. The British made the town an Army Headquarters and military cantonments were established outside the town limits.

In 1843, a river steamer service was introduced linking Karachi with the city of Multan, 500 miles upstream on the Indus. The population of the city started rising rapidly and by the 1850’s, Karachi had become an established city with a population of about 14,000 and prosperous overseas trade.

Soon, moneyed people from Bombay, Goa, Kuchh and other parts of the subcontinent started migrating to the city to undertake various occupations. The town’s population started rising rapidly which is evidenced by the fact that the municipality’s income rose from Rs. 6,000 in 1848, to Rs. 27,000 by 1850 in just two years.

In 1861, Karachi got its first railway connection (to Kotri), and the trade of cotton began to prosper due to the shortage caused by American civil war. In 1864, direct telegraph connection was introduced and the harbor & port were modernized to allow Karachi to become an important full-fledged sea port for India.
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It was also during this time that several monumental buildings such as the Frere Hall, Sindh Club, St. Patrick’s Cathedral & School, Merewether Tower (now simply known as ‘tower‘ to the bus conductors) and the Gymkhana were built.
Towards the end of the ninteenth century, the relationship between Lahore and Karachi were firmly established: Lahore as an agricultural hub, and Karachi as the main port for goods from Lahore. In many ways that relationship continues to this day.
The 1890’s saw the emergence of the Punjab as the granary of India and Karachi was the region’s principal outlet. This brought many business opportunities to Karachi and the population of the city expanded. Consequently, revenues of the city also increased and public works projects were undertaken on a grand scale. Boulton Market was built in 1883, and in 1890, the grand Empress Market was constructed to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign. This monumental structure with a clock tower was designed to compete with the Crawford Market of Bombay and was designed to be 12 feet higher. The market quickly gained a position in the city’s center. Hospitals such as the Civil Hospital and the Lady Dufferin Hospital were also inaugurated.

It was in early 1900s that the area now known as Bunder Road, Burns Road, Elphinston Street, and Preedy Street became crowded commercial areas, with traffic building to the point that a tram had to be introduced from Saddar to Keemari. I wish we still had trams in Karachi. Not least for aesthetics, but also because of the hazards we have now created with the bus -dependent public transportation system.
By 1891, statistics showed a population of about 105,000 and by the time the 19th century drew to a close, Karachi had 117,000 inhabitants as of 1901. Karachi had become one of the biggest and best outfitted ports of the world.

It seems that the air travel arrived in Karachi around 1927, and the location of the first airport was exactly where today’s Jinnah international Airport now stands. During the second world war, the airport served to house airforce planes as well.
In 1924, an aerodrome was built and Karachi became the main airport of entry to India. The British Government also developed an Imperial Airship Communications Scheme in the 1920’s, which was a plan to have a fleet of large dirigibles providing mail and passenger service to far-flung portions of the Empire. A site was located outside Karachi and construction of an airship mast, hangar and a hydrogen plant was begun in 1927. Although, this program was cancelled after the destruction of the Airship R 101 in 1930 with great loss of life, the shed and the mast remained as impressive relics of the plan till well after Pakistan’s independence. They were later dismantled and the steel was used for buildings and bridges along the Pakistan Railways. The site later became the international airport at Karachi.

Karachi became the capital of the province in 1936, and of course the capital of the newly created state of Pakistan in 1947. It remained in that position until 1958, when Islamabad was created.
In 1947, independence was finally granted to the subcontinent and Pakistan came into being as a new country made by the partition of British India. Karachi became the capital city and premier port of the newly formed state. It was the most built up city in Pakistan at the time and accommodated a huge influx of migrants to the newly formed state, which made it expand at a rapid rate. Pakistan’s first civil and military bureaucracy was housed in the city and Karachi served as the capital city of Pakistan until 1958 when a new capital was made at Islamabad.

What happened to Karachi after 1958 is a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Federal resourced shifted away from the city and the businesses could not keep up what the government neglected. I am too young to know what Karachi was like in the 60’s and 70’s but from what I hear, it was still an exciting place, at least until after Bhutto was hanged. The shutdown of the Hotel Taj and the ambitious Casino project in Clifton are reminders of what could have been. Ethnic strife took hold in the 80’s and only recently has the politics settled just enough to allow for some alternative voices to be heard.


Today Karachi is struggling to find its place as the liveliest city in Pakistan. It now has a population greater than 12 million (according to 2006 estimate) and the City District is now divided into eighteen towns governed by elected municipal administrations. Karachi is the financial capital of Pakistan, a hustling bustling metropolitan mega city with its rich mix of cultures, races, and religions.

It is estimated to generate approximately 65% percent of the national revenue but somehow the state of the city’s streets, markets, architecture and landscape does not indicate so. The streets are crowded, noisy and polluted, and we all know what happens when it rains in the city. The infrastructure of this cosmopolitan city is struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing population while the administration falters. It is unfortunate sight that the majestic buildings of the past are now coated with soot, hidden behind ads of aamil najoomis or stifled in the glare of neon lights. The few remaining reminders of Karachi’s diversity of the past include Christian missionary schools or educational institutions setup by the Parsi community.

The fortunate thing is that the city has withstood some very troubled times, and always seems to bounce back. The Niharis, Haleem, Behari Kebab, and the Biryanis seem to occupy people’s minds fast. When all else fails, Clifton beach is still there for some serenity. I know I can always count on it!



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Karachi bids to revive heritage ravaged by extremism

KARACHI (AFP) —

"What the Taliban have done to the ancient Buddha's statue in Bamiyan a few years ago, fanatics and ruthless government functionaries did to Karachi's statues long ago," says Shahid Rassam, lamenting the dearth of public artworks in Pakistan's biggest city.

Rassam is one of a handful of local artists working to revive Karachi's public art, which flourished under the British Raj in India and survived for a couple of decades until the early years of military dictator Zia ul-Haq.

But public art crumbled under Zia, as culture became an early casualty of a regime that nurtured religious fanaticism.

The rot had set in under Zia's predecessor, Abub Khan, the first in a long line of military rulers, who held power from 1958-1969.

"The religious extremists launched the first campaign against beautiful statues in Karachi during Ayub Khan's rule when the city was stripped of most of its street artifacts," says former city official Saifur Rehman Grami.

Art enthusiast Grami says old Karachi was dotted with huge statues, at that time appreciated across religious boundaries.

The monuments survived sporadically until Zia seized power in a military coup in 1977 as Pakistan reverted to military rule.

His 11-year tenure encouraged sectarian Islam and religious extremism prospered as he imposed curbs on cultural activities. In the process, he gave extremists the freedom to ruin the remnants of Karachi's glorious statuary, says Rassam.

"General Zia ul-Haq's period remains a nightmare for art and culture during which Karachi suffered the most, because this city was the cultural hub of Pakistan," Rassam says.

"Even many years after the creation of Pakistan most of these statues were allowed to be erected at various gardens and public places but since the late 1970s the wave of extremism uprooted all these monuments," Grami says.

Scores of sculptures depicting British rule are now little more than a folk memory after being uprooted and destroyed.

Mohammad Ahsan, a resident of Karachi's Old Town, says he witnessed the destruction of his locality's history.

"Khori Garden was one of the most beautiful parks of old Karachi. There were many statues of those who played a great role in making Karachi the cleanest city in the world, including a huge statue of Queen Victoria.

"All these monuments were either destroyed or displaced in the 1970s and 80s and the old fountains and water troughs were completely ruined," he says.

It was the mid-1990s before a large number of old statues and monuments were discovered heaped in a municipal storeroom. Most were extensively damaged with what Grami says is a mixture of official apathy and nature's ravages.

Apart from marbles and bronzes depicting British royals, some depicted girls in educational settings, carrying books and writing boards -- anathema to extreme practitioners of Islam.

Grami says although some old statues were recovered and restored by the authorities, most were either destroyed or stolen. They included many statues of historical significance at Karachi's former municipal headquarters, Frere Hall.

"We had found some broken pieces like limbs and busts lying neglected under the debris of the municipality's stores, but found it impossible to put them together," Grami says.

What could be salvaged and restored has been given a safe haven at the city's Mohatta Palace Museum, but their absence from their original sites around the city has created an artistic vacuum.

However, municipal officials say that, politically, now is not "the appropriate time" to re-install the statues.

"We could not restore them this time round because of possible reaction from religious fanatics and indoctrination against cultural entities in the general mindset of society," says a municipal official.

In a country once again under military rule and wracked by political and religious turmoil, Karachi's mayor Mustafa Kamal has made a bold stand to "invest" in culture as a buffer against rising extremism.

"We have started investing in culture, encouraging cultural activities, as it is the only way to combat extremism and terrorism," Kamal says.

City hall has commissioned two statues from Rassam to be erected in the heart of city -- a Whirling Dervish and a woman in chains symbolizing earth's vulnerability in the universe.

"This contribution of mine could help give Karachi some places where people could proudly identify themselves with, as people do elsewhere," Rassam says.

Anjum Ayaz, another internationally-recognised sculptor, is busy erecting his latest monumental work in the midst of a maze of flyovers in the city's eastern neighbourhood, Korangi.

His 30-tonne, 67-foot (20-metre) high monument depicts sea, birds, animals, people, rituals, holy verses and galaxies. "What I've tried to depict is the universe," Ayaz says.

Ayaz, whose works stands in Tokyo, Beijing and Dubai, has voluntarily created and installed a dozen mini-sculptures at the city's busy Seaview beach in what he says is a bid to bring art into the public domain.

"I am committed to my cause to work for the people," says Ayaz, globally famous for his work in stone, marble and metal.

A Karachi city hall official says those who ruined Karachi's sculptures did so on the pretext that the art of sculpture was "un-Islamic".

"They stripped the whole city of its beautiful art on such pretexts," said the official on condition of anonymity.

"And their terror is still reigning so supreme that most artists and authorities seldom dare think about a revival."

Talat Hussain, a Pakistani artist who teaches at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Karachi, says these works are part of the heritage of fine art and of Karachi itself, and one cannot erase the colonial period however much one tries.

"Nothing in history should be destroyed, not even the statues of despotic English rulers. They should remind us of our past of being slaves and goad us to protect our freedom."

Karachi ajnabiyon ka sheher hai
Aur har ajnabi iss ka shehree hai

About the aerodrome and aviation history, Karachi’s location made it a very important stop on the international routes. For example, if I remember rightly, it was one of the three places in the world that had hangars for the Hindenberg:

http://spot.colorado.edu/~dziadeck/airship/artifacts.htm

And Amelia Earhart stopped by and fixed her wings on her last trip:

http://www.tighar.org/Projects/Earhart/worldflight.html

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Other

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Wow, in other parts of the world these could be finest hotels

^^ So true but in Pakistan we're too busy either neglecting or tearing down heritage & historic buildings. People in our country don't know how to convert these old gems of bldgs & capitalize on their charm & romance.

Instead we're busy building ugly & inferior quality bldgs that are both eye-sores & short-lived.

shall we keep this thread to pics only?

There was a time when citizens of Pakistan were accustomed to seeing Trams running all over the Karachi City center. It was one of the most popular means of conveyance in the city center. Today, only a handful of photos, a few landmarks and memories of Trams remain.

http://pakistaniat.com/images/tram/tram2.jpg

If you talk to any body who has seen Karachi up to 1975, they will talk about the tramways in nostalgic terms. The network was closed down in 1975 after traffic congestion in Saddar area was causing lots of traffic accidents involving Trams as well as older trams were proving difficult to maintain. What happened to the rolling stock and infrastructure is anybody’s guess. I couldn’t find any information on it. Growing up in Karachi however, I remember taking rides in Trams with my father as well as seeing the left over tram tracks which were left to rust in Saddar roads until 1980s.

The history of Karachi tramway spans 90 years (1885-1975). It owes it origin to the Municipal Secretary and Engineer, James Strachan who first conceived the idea for a Karachi Tramway. In 1881, Mr. Edward Mathews of London submitted the tender for building this tramway network. It took until 1883 to complete all the formalities and to get Government’s permission to use Steam as the locomotive power for the trams. Actual construction work started in October 1884.

The Inaugural Ceremony

On April 10, 1885 the first tram line in Karachi was opened for public traffic. The track extended from present day Jinnah (then Napier Mole) bridge to Kimari. An imposing ceremony was held on this occasion. The dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Commissioner Sindh, Henry Napier B Erskine, Commanding Officer of Sindh District, Brigadier General G. Luck and his daughter, Assistant Commissioner Dr. J. Pollen and His Highness Prince Shere Ali Khan, ex-Wali of Kandhar, Afghanistan, with his staff. All these people were transported to Kimari and then back to Scotch Church on a convoy of Steam Locomotives and using the tramway track which they were going to inaugurate. The marquees of the project had been erected at the Scotch Church. Refreshments were given to the attendees here and Commissioner Sindh in his speech pointed out that Karachi Tramway was the “first steam tramway in Western India.” He also pointed out that the tramway was going to be used for passenger as well as freight service.

The tramway was needed for freight service as Karachi Port was not deep enough in those days. Ships were anchored at present day Kimari area and from there freight was brought to Merewether Pier (Present day Jinnah Bridge/Native Jetty area) by small boats. For this purpose some tram rails were laid in the Godowns of Messrs. Ralli Bros. A. McHinh & Co., Volkart Bros., and others, and also along the jetty, so that grain might be transported directly from their warehouses to the boat’s side.

Tramway Map of 1893

The Map below shows Karachi of 1893. The Red rectangle towards left shows the first tramway track that was inaugurated. Also note how Karachi landscape has changed since then. Kimari is now part of the mainland as sea has receded a lot as well as land reclamation that has happened in the last 100 years. See where ‘bridge’ is written on a railway line towards bottom. This is where present day Boat-Basin is located.

http://pakistaniat.com/images/tram/Karachi1893.jpg

Steam Locomotion got Replaced with Horses

In 1886, steam powered trams got replaced by horse drived tramways. This was to the great satisfaction of city residents because the steam engines proved to be too noisy in the residential and commercial areas. The frequency of Steam trams was once every 15 minutes in busy areas and that made the residents quite uneasy because of the noise. After horse trams were introduced, Steam trams were relegated to shunting in depots only whereas light one-horse tram cars took their space on Karachi roads.

The photo is an earlier version of horse-driven Karachi tram which used two horses.

http://pakistaniat.com/images/tram/tram1.JPG

Horse trams were much cheaper to operate as compared to the steam locomotives fired with coke. The coke had to be shipped from England at a great expense, as Karachi could not afford any supplies, and in Bombay local demands required the whole output of the gas works. Present day Sindh including the city of Karachi were under Bombay Presidency until 1912.

To date, there are some remains of water troughs near Max Denso Hall area as well as in Saddar which were built to feed and provide water to the tram horses.

The East India Tramway Company

Very soon the horse driven tramways became bigger than ever. Some of carriages were converted to light railways and the tramway started moving not only passengers but also freight across the city by using petrol engines. The company was now titled as ‘The East India Tramways Company’. The chief engineer of the East India Tramway Company was John Brunton, whose name was long known in Karachi in connection with the Karachi-Kotri railway line which was constructed under his supervision.

The permanent way materials for the Karachi tram network was supplied by Messrs. Bolling and Lowe of London. The weight of the rails used in the tramway was 70 lb(32 kg) to the yard. The engines of the tramway were supplied by Messrs. Kitson and Co. of Leeds, the rolling-stock was supplied by the Starbuck Car and Wagon Company, of Birkenhead and the contractors who carried out the construction work were Messrs. Mathews and Crawford.

The photo below shows a section of the tram tracks laid on Bundar Road (now called Mohammad Ali Jinnah Road) near Max Denso Hall area. This photo is circa 1900.

http://pakistaniat.com/images/tram/tram3.jpg

The career of Karachi tramway for freight business was short lived. Regular Railways took over the frieght business on the route from Napier Mole Bridge (now Jinnah Bridge) to Kimari.

Karachi Tram Video:
Here is a short 50 second video on Karachi Tramway which I made by combining the photos that I have available as well as a short video clip.

AA8qRmlrHhM

Chronology of Karachi Tramway

1879: John Brunton devised a special grooved bridge rail of inverted U-shape for four foot gauge horse to be later used in the tramways in Karachi.

1881: Karachi’s Municipal Secretary and Engineer, Mr. James Strachan conceived the idea of Karachi Tramway around this year and Mr Edward Mathews, of London tendered for the construction of the line in 1881.

1883: Detailed plan for Karachi Tramway is made and settled. Permission is obtained from the Government for the use of steam powered trams in Karachi.

October 1884: Work starts on the construction of Karachi Tramway.

April 10, 1885: Steam Tramway was opened in Karachi.

1886: Steam tramway of Karachi got replaced by horse-drawn tramway.

March 23, 1905: Petrol Tram was inaugurated in Karachi.

1909: Horse drawn tramway of Karachi got shut down and was replaced by Petrol driven trams. Petrol trams had a capacity of 46 passengers each and could run up to speeds of 18 mph. Tracks were re laid for petrol driven trams.

1913: By the end of this year, the number of Petrol run trams in Karachi was 37

1955: The number of Petrol Run Trams in Karachi had risen up to 64.

April 30, 1975: Karachi Tramway got closed down

References:

(1) Kurrachee, Past, Present, Volume II and Future by Alexander F. Baillie
(2) Karachi Travel Guide, 2000 by Yasmeen Lari
(3) PTV Drama: Mirza Ghalib Bandar Road Par
(4) Title Photo is from www.harrapa.com
(5) Pakistaniat.com

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/329989082_50a47ac6b9_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/331922797_66687f9317_o.jpg

Whats the current name of this street, Zaibunnisa?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12876074@N00/329989082/in/photostream/

Zaibunnisa St in Karachi can be like Ottawa's Market area-a magnate for tourists, but who am I kidding.

More historic pictuers of Karachi. Whenever known, I've put the year the image was taken above it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Oldkarachi.jpg

1930
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a9/Karachi04.jpg

1889
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Karachi1889.jpg

Map of Karachi from 1889
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Khimapold.jpg

Empress Market 1890

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/Empressmkt1890.jpg

Map of Karachi, 1893

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Mapkhi1893.jpg

Late 1800s

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Khibundarroadold.jpg

view of the Bunder Road (now M. A. Jinnah Rd.) The Max Denso Hall (completed 1886) can be seen in this picture. Karachi, Sind, Pakistan

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Khibandarrd.jpg

Bunder Road, 1900

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Khibandarrd2.jpg

Farewell arch erected by the Karachi Port for the Royal visit of King George V, 1906

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Khiport1906.jpg

British family at Elphinstone St.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/Britskhi.jpg

Cool pics, no?

Karachi airport in 1943, with the famous Kaala Chapra (black hangar) visible which of course is now used by the PIA.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/KhiairportWW2.jpg

I wonder why we kept Bunder Rd., but got rid of Elphinstone St.

:ohno:

Karachi's not that old really!

I know of the cool building called the Hindu Gymkhana in Saddar, Karachi

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/38/104982894_32b02c2fd6_o.jpg

I'm sure there are other places.

thanks for the pic.

Karachi airport in 1943, with the famous Kaala Chapra (black hangar) visible which of course is now used by the PIA.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/KhiairportWW2.jpg

I think the Kaala Chapra was torn down and the current hangar for PIA is a newly built one.

@jaan_pune


If all you can do here is post trash and off-topic posts, Let me tell you that you won't be lasting much on this forums.

I would be better for yourself to stay clear of pakistan and this subsection till you learn to post reasonable and on-topic things. I am for following your posts and deleting your trash.

Consider this a final warning.

Each of my post is related to the pictures present in this very thread. Each of my post can be backed by evidence and proof.

My posts were in no way unreasonable and off topic. I had merely responded to the above post. Why are you being an autocrat?

Please do allow me to post my response.

Look man, everytime you post in the Mehfil Pakistan it is a disrespectful, divisive and provacative post. If you hate Pakistan so much, you can go sign up on BharatRakshak.com and post your drivel there. In fact, I'm pretty sure you're already a member there.

Check the MP rule book before you decide to post here again:

Posting (b)

As our forums continue to grow, people from all over Skyscrapercity Forums come to post in our forums, these rules are being put in, in view of the current situation.

Below are the issues that are totally unacceptable:

- Do not make any negative comments or posts in Mehfil Pakistan if you are from the other side.
Example: No Indian forum member should make any negative comments or posts about Pakistan in the Pakistan sub-forum.

- If you do continue to post, you will be warned, or brigged or banned if necessary, depending on the situation and the nature of the posts.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=439681

Can we get back to the topic please?

PM (private messaging) is there for all the "you said.... and I said...and he said...".

Can we get back to the topic please?

PM (private messaging) is there for all the "you said.... and I said...and he said...".

Well said.

---

How come?

*Not worth it*

Trappy bhai aap ko itna khusa kiyoon aata hai? Main nay ChillPill liya tha aur us nay apna kaam dikhaya. Ub aap bhi lay lain.

All everyone is saying is that these threads are for the country & relevant subjects discussion, not for personal jibjab. If we must, put PM to use, why broadcast to the world here.

We all need to unite, not fight. I know deep down you're very nice person, it just comes out wrong sometimes. We all been guilty of that, so lets move on.

What ya say!

Please PM me, if you gotta say.

Here getting back to the thread.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2051140307_f8e9e2c934_o.jpg

^^ Nice clear picture

That old building needs a repaint and more renovation work. It should not be private property, these buildings should be preserved by the state.

^^ If the cheap justice issue let them do that...

Here getting back to the thread.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2051140307_f8e9e2c934_o.jpg

Great Pic! :applause:

Frere street suddar bazar
Photograph with a view looking northwards along Frere Street in Karachi, with the tower of the Empress Market partially visible in the right background.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73320463aHV3nH9A.jpg

Clerk street saddar
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73320370pxSJlexm.jpg

Clifton road
Photograph with a view looking along Clifton Road in Karachi,
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73320211M7APkLuB.jpg


Birds eye view Victoria road
Photograph with a view of Karachi looking in a northerly direction along Victoria Road, with St Andrew's Church visible in the distance, taken by an unknown photographer, c.1900
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73320111GBTq7b3G.jpg


Karachi gymkhana
The British had also developed the concept of gymkhanas or sports-houses which provided facilities for all sorts of sports and games for the colonial population in the sub-continent. The Karachi Gymkhana Club, located on Scandal Point (later Club) Road, was a large Tudor-style building, constructed in 1886.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73320085eKuBHIo1.jpg


Trans Liari Market
At the end of the nineteenth century the Trans-Lyari Quarter of the city was made up of a cluster of poor settlements mostly consisting of reed and mud plastered huts with some more permanent dwellings. At this time one-quarter of the population of Karachi lived in this area across the Lyari River.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73319940LldACqjW.jpg


Karachi street
Photograph of a busy street scene in Karachi, taken by an unknown photographer.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73319889SMedN9IH.jpg


Sindh Arts college
Photograph of the D.J. Sind Arts College (now known as the D. J. Government Science College) of Karachi, taken by an unknown photographer, c.1900, from an album of 46 prints titled 'Karachi Views'. Designed by James Strachan and considered this architect's greatest achievement, the college was built between 1887 and 1893. Named after the Sindhi philanthropist Dayaram Jethmal, whose two family members contributed towards its cost, the building was constructed in the neoclassical, or 'Italian architectural style'. A considerable amount of money was spent on the interior of the college; the floors comprised mosaic tiles imported from Belgium and the eight-foot wide main staircase was fitted with ornamental cast-iron work from McFarlane & Company of Glasgow. Karachi, once the capital of Pakistan, is now the capital of Sindh province and the major port and main commercial centre of the country. It was a strategically located small port at a protected natural harbour on the Arabian Sea north-west of the mouth of the Indus, and was developed and expanded by the British when they took over Sindh in the mid-19th century to serve the booming trade from the Punjab and the wheat and cotton regions of the sub-continent.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73319854saBlLqbK.jpg


Empress Market
Photograph of Empress Market in Karachi, taken by an unknown photographer, c.1900,
The Empress Market was constructed between 1884 and 1889 and was named to commemorate Queen Victoria, Empress of India. It was designed by James Strachan, the foundations were completed by the English firm of A.J. Attfield, and the building constructed by the local firm of 'Mahoomed Niwan and Dulloo Khejoo'. The building was arranged around a courtyard, 130 ft by 100 ft, with four galleries each 46 ft wide. The galleries provided accommodation for 280 shops and stall keepers; at the time of its construction it was one of seven markets in Karachi.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73319787YHt5BvTz.jpg



Napier road bridge
Karachi, Pakistan Pre 1900's
Photograph taken by an unknown photographer in Karachi, c.1900, with a general view along the iron Napier Mole bridge connecting Karachi with Kiamari,
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn98/ikramrao/73319646Qz9M5I7Q.jpg


courtesy: M Adeel Qureshi

I think they have been posted before, but nice ones nonetheless.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/451186132_6e7d864c91_o.jpg
Symbol of Old Karachi

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1039/1257611489_252e959a8d_o.jpg
Synagogue in Karachi, torn down in 80's

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/83742093_af8c8f4768_b.jpg
Kutiyana Memon Hospital

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2167886703_2d6791863a_b.jpg
1952, post-partition

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/90/233799179_7c068aa0ba_m.jpg
An old bldg on Burns Road

Why did they tear down the Synogogue in Karachi? Were there no Jews left to look after it? What the story with that?

The answer is, Zia, in one word.:ohno:

^^ Pakia, I think its about time you got over the Pakistan of the 80s and whatever happened then. We can't change the past.

Trappy, NYwala asked a question a about a pic I posted and I simply responding to that. What is there to get over? and who said anything about changing past?:nuts:

Don't be too hasty in posting the first thing that comes to your mind. Look before you leap and think before you 'post'.

Trappy, NYwala asked a question a about a pic I posted and I simply responding to that. What is there to get over? and who said anything about changing past?:nuts:

Don't be too hasty in posting the first thing that comes to your mind. Look before you leap and think before you 'post'.

Sorry my post didn't make any sense. As I was half asleep when I typed that. But many of your posts show that your mind is stuck in the Pakistan of the 80s. Thats all. :)

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/Clifton%20Bridge%20Karachi%203.jpg

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/Clifton%20Bridge%20Karachi%201.jpg

Is that Clifton bridge

^^ NO it is the Clifton Bridge

^^ You mean YES its the Clifton Bridge. Right? As it IS the Clifton Bridge.

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/Mohatta%20Palace%20Karachi%207.jpg

^^ NO it is the Clifton Bridge

Oh, I thought its clifton bridge.

Old Shops near Jehangir Kothari Paradehttp://www.historickarachi.com/images/Near%20kothari%20.jpg

Aaaaahhhhhhh! Clifton Bridge! The divide between the Haves and Have Nots of Karachi.

^^ You mean a divide between Sultanabad and Clifton? or I am forgetting something?

^^ I'm just saying, what I got told by my uncle from Karachi :dunno:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2149257538_089eb76c29_b.jpg

Hindus celebrating Shivratri at Clifton in 1930

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3527810824_d94d410e89_o.jpg

Napier Barracks 1910

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2372/3527000091_11b866c7a4_o.jpg

Wharf 1930

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3527002365_255ae77a13_o.jpg

Clifton 1930

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3526997921_33aa95f015_o.jpg

Khaliq Dina hall

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/3527811144_f454868e47_o.jpg

Sind Arts College 1910 (now DJ Science College)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3527001995_bf30122536_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/3527813532_9af99f4034_o.jpg

Manora Barracks 1930

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/3527811880_b127aae7c9_o.jpg

Gandhi Garden 1930 (Now Karachi Zoo)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/3527810528_1d71fea22c_o.jpg

Saddar 1915

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3527810976_a5625dfe14_o.jpg

Empress Market 1880

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/3527810282_5d9be5515d_o.jpg

1905

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2253/3527814178_a2a701ed3a_o.jpg

Bunder road 1940

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/3526997813_f7b65a1d93_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3527001179_94c12e3156_o.jpg

Kothari Parade 1930

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/3526998031_606c4992b0_o.jpg

Parsi Gymkhana 1910

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3527001001_ed82b02f8b_o.jpg

Palace Hotel 1950

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/3527000623_03ccc8e757_o.jpg

Frere Hall 1860

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2318/3527810364_c6ae5581dc_o.jpg

Maghar Pier 1905

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3526999617_0be3d6ecc4_o.jpg

Kothari Parade 1910

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3527811306_ab65662cae_o.jpg

Lady Dufferin Hospital 1910

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3526999387_f56c4194b2_o.jpg

Sind Club 1910

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/3527812540_f28c9150dd_o.jpg

1920

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3527001829_57a5c06975_o.jpg

Hindu Temple at Manora 1920

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2195/3527814084_181606a2b6_o.jpg

Following pics are from 1897:

Four men from the Karachi Plague Committee, India.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3525795841_e0950f29b9_o.jpg

Hospital staff during the outbreak of bubonic plague in Karachi

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3525796451_4f4d850bfc_o.jpg

Female patient with bubonic plague in Karachi, India

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3526604340_0f0ac346fa_o.jpg

The office of an officer who works for the Karachi Plague Committee

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3526604120_033e90cf93_o.jpg

A segregation camp being disinfected, Karachi

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3525377653_84d5e75b83_o.jpg

A group of volunteers involved with the Karachi Plague

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3525377177_eb7591bfd8_o.jpg

An examining post set up by the Karachi Plague Committe

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3526183948_03c9978dc3_o.jpg

A group of volunteers involved with the Karachi Plague

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3526183810_b7f7bb9f93_o.jpg

A celebratory dance for discharged patients

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3526184242_96d99a6c29_o.jpg

Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images
images@wellcome.ac.uk

Where can I post classic/rare pictures of the rest of Pakistan? I think this thread should be renamed to Pakiscape: Classical Pakistan.

Nope sorry. Wrong idea. This thread should remain focused on Karachi. You can make another thread for historic pictures from all over Pakistan. For major cities, there should be a thread dedicated just for them.

btw, great pictures you posted. Cheers.

1982
http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/131-4A%20Karachi,%20Pakistan,%2021-24%20August%201982.jpg

Karachi Gymkhana
http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/131-4B%20Gymkhana,%20Karachi.jpg

Boat Club
http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/131-4E%20The%20Boat%20Club,%20Karachi.jpg

St Andrews Church
http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/131-4D%20St%20Andrews%20Church%20-%20where%20my%20parents%20married.jpg

Bath Island House
http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/131-4G%20Varawa%20House,%204%20Bath%20Island%20Road,%20where%20we%20lived%20till%201946.jpg

Bath Island road
http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/131-4F%20Bath%20Island%20Road.jpg

http://www.gordonhoneycombe.com/Scrapbooks/London,%20November%201981%20-%20December%201982/page1.htm

^^ That looks awsome :happy:

By the way, is there a forum on lahore classical scapes because lahore has alot of this artictecture

That looks awesome! :happy:


I love the 70's, more so than the 80's because it was a simpler time. If I had a time machine, I would love to go back to the 60's and live there. The people were better and the country was definitely better. :yes:

Nice look

That looks awesome! :happy:


I love the 70's, more so than the 80's because it was a simpler time. If I had a time machine, I would love to go back to the 60's and live there. The people were better and the country was definitely better. :yes:

Dont forget me if u get time machine!:)

Napier Mole Bridge to Keamari (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00008000[SVC2].jpg

Bird's eye view with Napier Barracks (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00027000[SVC2].jpg

Roman Catholic Church (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00018000[SVC2].jpg

The Empress Market (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00019000[SVC2].jpg

Keamari Wharf (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00005000[SVC2].jpg

Karachi Gymkhana (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00016000[SVC2].jpg

Passenger Landing Pier (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00006000[SVC2].jpg

Edaljee Dinshaw Charitable Dispensary (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00035000[SVC2].jpg

Sind Club (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00015000[SVC2].jpg

http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO0000940S1U00041000[SVC2].jpg

Bird's eye view Suddar Bazaar (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00024000[SVC2].jpg

Trinity Church (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00013000[SVC2].jpg

Frere Hall (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00020000[SVC2].jpg

Scotch Church [St Andrew's Church] (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00017000[SVC2].jpg

Native Jetty (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00007000[SVC2].jpg

Bird's eye view, Clifton Road (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00029000[SVC2].jpg

http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00030000[SVC2].jpg

Trans-Lyari Market (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00012000[SVC2].jpg

Bird's eye view (with General Hospital) (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00026000[SVC2].jpg

Govt. Garden Fountain (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00036000[SVC2].jpg

Frere Street, Suddar Bazaar (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00034000[SVC2].jpg

Clerk Street, Suddar Bazaar (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00033000[SVC2].jpg

Bird's eye view Victoria Road (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00023000[SVC2].jpg

Karachi city street view (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00011000[SVC2].jpg

Bird's eye view - Artillery Lines (1900)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO000000425U00021000[SVC2].jpg

Pupils in classroom in the Anglo-Vernacular School (1873)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO001000S46U04650000[SVC2].jpg

General view of the Anglo-Vernacular School (1873)
http://ogimages.bl.uk/images/019/019PHO001000S46U04652000[SVC2].jpg

thanx 4 da pix syedahsaninam (also 4 murree, lahore, and peshawar):)..... karachi luks really well-planned in these fotos.. wish they had continued planned expansion after independence...:(

DAMN! Native Jetty was that clean? Today it looks quite similar as a structure but the water is absolutely FILTHY! Also there's like 10,000 boats there instead of a dozen like in that picture.

Great pics syedahsaninam!

Beautiful pictures

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi01.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi02.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi03.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi04.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi05.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi06.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi07.jpg

http://www.harappa.com/post4/gifs/karachi08.jpg

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/Bristol%20Hotel%20.jpg

LOCATION: Near Karachi Cantt Station

Have you ever fallen in love with a building? Worry not if you are a flinty-eyed, stone-hearted person: one look at the Bristol Hotel will make you go wonky in the knees. Despite being a 100-year-old piece of architecture, its beauty will blow you away: big balconies, carved balusters, delectable arcading, eye-catching windows, a nice entrance leading straight into what would once have been the reception office, high ceilings, and a wooden staircase that seems to be holding on…it’s a sight to marvel at.

Nestled between modern-day apartment buildings on two of its sides, an imposing flyover at its back and a railway track that snakes through the southern part of Karachi to its left, the Bristol Hotel these days cuts a peculiar picture. If the railway track symbolises the fleetness of time, the high-rise flats speak of contemporariness. And the Bristol Hotel serves as a bridge between the temporal and the eternal.

Not just that, the unclothed children taking a bath at the base of the flyover, garbage dumps along the railway track and slick-looking cars entering the compounds of apartment buildings give the whole area an oxymoronic feel. That’s what Karachi has metamorphosed into: a Kafkan situation without reason.

If you are a first-time visitor to the Bristol, what will instantly strike you is the palatial size of the edifice. It’s no longer a hotel now. Hasn’t been used so for the last 15 or 20 years. There is a chance that while paying a visit to its dining room you might trip over a cable wire or stumble into an HMI light, because television crews find this place fitting to shoot their soap operas and period dramas. And the activity is confined to the ground and first floors; the second and third storeys are not in use. The reason for the spaciousness of the structure is, or could be, that it was originally constructed in 1907 (some say 1910) as a mansion for a well-to-do Parsi by the name of Dossabhai Byramji Minwalla. It was the first three-storey structure of the vicinity.

A few accounts suggest it was built as part of the quartet of railway hotels to provide accommodation to those arriving in Karachi by train. The other three accommodations were the North Western, the Carlton and the Killarney hotels.

According to an old man, Shahbaz, who works at the hotel and is not always keen on getting the building photographed, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had graced the hotel on at least one occasion, and dined here. Back then the facility was known for its sumptuous cuisine, which is difficult to dispute.

At present the Bristol Hotel is not in a shape that should call for urgent measures, but it definitely needs to be looked after in a skilled manner.

Architect Arif Hasan says: ‘At the time of its construction, ‘railway’ had become popularised. There were other hotels in the same area. I don’t know whether the Quaid-i-Azam dined or stayed at the Bristol, but there was another accommodation, the Carlton Hotel, about which I’ve heard that Mr Jinnah was the first non-English person to have stayed there. Apart from that, there was the Grand Café, which the who’s who of the region used to frequent.

‘There are no classical elements used in the construction of the Bristol Hotel. It’s made in the style of Europe’s coastal city architecture. It is a pretty good-looking building, having colourful cornices, crisscross window treatment and carved balusters,’ says Mr Hasan. The architect says that there was a time when the whole of the Civil Lines locality used to have similar structures.

‘I’ve always maintained that preserving or conserving just a few buildings doesn’t do much. We need to preserve neighbourhoods so that our coming generation has a sense of history. If you don’t have a sense of history it will become difficult for you to progress in life. Neighbourhoods tell you who you are,’ says Mr Hasan.

As for the name of the hotel, not much is known about it. There are two possibilities: the English city of Bristol or it could well have something to do with the fourth Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, Frederick Harvey, a peregrinator who was fond of high-quality hospitality.

Studying the subject may give you the indication that prior to 1870 no such site existed, but strangely Charles Dickens in his novel Bleak House (published in 1851) mentions a certain Hotel Bristol in the Place Vendome in Chapter 12.

P.S. In 1937, Leon Trotsky was accused of hatching a plot against Stalin at the Bristol in Copenhagen. But then they found out that at the time when they thought the conspiracy was being made, the hotel was there only as a fond memory, because in the second decade of the 20th century it had been razed to the ground, and was rebuilt in 1936.

Cafe Grand

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/Cumper%27s%20Cafe%20Grand%20photo%20c%201928.jpg

NorthWestern Hotel

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/North%20Western%20Hotel%201908%201.jpg

Killarney Hotel
http://www.historickarachi.com/images/killarney_marder_s_palace1.jpg

^^ The Killarney Hotel and the bristol hotel look a lot like the taj hotel in mumbai!

Nice pics! :happy:

By Amar Guriro

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/images/2009/01/04/20090104_04.jpg
KARACHI: The renovation of a hundred-year old historical Freemason Lodge Building has been initiated. The building is being renovated for the first time after it was constructed during the British rule in World War I.

As a symbol of great history and an important era, the building deserves to be preserved in its original shape. Sources revealed that after the renovation and restoration of the Freemason Lodge Building, the Sindh government is planning to establish the first ever wildlife museum of the province at a government level on the ground floor of the building. They also stated that on the first floor, the government is planning to establish a library to facilitate researchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Standing adjacent to the Governor House near the Karachi Press Club, the Freemason Lodge is currently used as an office by the Sindh Wildlife Department Conservator.

The Sindh Department of antiquities initiated a project renovate the building. In the first phase of the renovation, the extra plaster and the thick paint layers that were put on the building will be removed. The Sindh Antiquities Department has planned to remove all the additional cemented structures, wooden cabins, rooms and all the small changes that have been made to the structure during the last few decades so as to restore the original shape of the historical building.

A structure made from bamboo poles is seen encasing the building so that laborers can climb up on it and scratch away the many layers of paint and extra plaster that is not part of the original construction. Wild grass and plants that began to grow around and on the base of the building walls has been removed and cleared.

Sindh Wildlife Department Conservator Hussain Bux Bhagat said that his department had moved a summary in the past for renovation of this building to the Planning and Development Department but it was rejected and later Sindh Antiquities Department was asked to initiate the project. Different experts had conducted a lengthy assessment to ascertain the current condition of this historical building after which the renovation work was initiated, he added.

The history of the Freemason Lodge reveals that the Freemason’s Trust originally built this building before World War I. For the locals, this building always remained a mystery and they use to call it ‘Jadoo Ghar’ or the House of Magic.

Jeevan, 60, said that most of the people in the area at that time called the building ‘Jadoo Ghar’ because it was under the control of the British. Jeevan’s father Birbhu was an office assistant to the Freemason Society. Birbhu and his family used to live in a small house adjacent to the building. “Most of the people could not understand and speak English so they couldn’t communicate with the British. There were also many class and social differences between the British and the locals so most people in the area could not ask about what actually went on in the building and assumed that something mysterious used to happen in it, hence they began calling it Jadoo Ghar,” said Javeen.

The original building structure has a big rectangle hall with a high roof and four doors on each side. On every corner there are large rooms where members of the Freemason Society used to conduct meetings in the past. A well structured pair of wooden stairs lead to the first floor. The first floor has the same construction as the ground floor of the building, there is a big hall in the middle and rooms on each of the four corners.

The architecture of the building is a mixture of Edwardian and Victorian style with elevated round pillars and a lot of the wooden structures. Despite the passing of a century, the building still stands and the wooden structures have survived time and have never suffered from termite infestations. Most of the pillars, the old marble floors, wooden stairs and windows are in their original shape and just need to be cleaned. The office bearers during the British rule installed marble nameplates that reveal the building’s history. These nameplates can still be seen at the entrance wall of the Freemason Lodge today.

A good article about a former 100 yr old freemason lodge in pakistan being renovated into Sindh wildlife building!

http://www.silentdrizzle.com/images/danso-hall-KARACHI.jpg

Under its corporate social responsibility programme, the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Heritage Foundation on Friday for restoring the 123-year-old Denso Hall to its former glory.

The KESC will allocate a core team of managers and skilled workers to help execute the preservation of Denso Hall and will work in close cooperation with City District Government Karachi (CDGK).

The utility will undertake the project as a sole sponsor and clean the external faÁade of Denso Hall and adjacent buildings at Marriott Road linked to M. A. Jinnah Road. It will also oversee the general cleaning and improvement of sewerage and water lines and electricity cables and removal of encroachments in the area. The aim is to rehabilitate and preserve the Venetian Gothic architecture of Denso Hall which was designed by James Stratchan and constructed in 1886 in memory of Max Denso, a prominent Karachi resident who was the President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce in 1870-71.

According to the memorandum signed by CEO KESC Naveed Ismail and Yasmeen Lari of the Heritage Foundation, the KESC will be the exclusive supporter of the project for safeguarding Karachi’s architectural heritage.

The Heritage Foundation will implement the work plan, organise volunteers programme for the participation of students and other workers, including KESC employees and arrange events around the place for the promotion and awareness of heritage and culture. The CDGK would facilitate the project in civic amenities areas and provide basic maintenance.

Welcoming the challenge of restoring the faÁade of historical building, Yasmeen Lari expressed hope that the KESC would continue to sponsor more such projects for reviving the cultural values of the metropolis.

Speaking on the occasion, KESC’s Chief Marketing Officer Ovais Naqvi said, “We intend to execute various such programmes over the next few years that alongside the core goals of product and service delivery make Karachi a more environmental friendly city for citizens.”

Earlier, the City Council had passed a resolution on June 26 with majority vote to remove encroachments around heritage building Denso Hall to preserve its historic value and beauty.

The council also requested the Sindh Home Department to allow magisterial powers to town municipal officer of Saddar Town to enable him to take necessary steps for removing encroachments.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=204761

On April 10, 1885 the first tram line in Karachi was opened for public traffic. The track extended from present day Jinnah (then Napier Mole) bridge to Kimari. An imposing ceremony was held on this occasion. The dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Commissioner Sindh, Henry Napier B Erskine, Commanding Officer of Sindh District, Brigadier General G. Luck and his daughter, Assistant Commissioner Dr. J. Pollen and His Highness Prince Shere Ali Khan, ex-Wali of Kandhar, Afghanistan, with his staff. All these people were transported to Kimari and then back to Scotch Church on a convoy of Steam Locomotives and using the tramway track which they were going to inaugurate. The marquees of the project had been erected at the Scotch Church. Refreshments were given to the attendees here and Commissioner Sindh in his speech pointed out that Karachi Tramway was the “first steam tramway in Western India.” He also pointed out that the tramway was going to be used for passenger as well as freight service.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oCErgzw6bGU/Ru8uf_Qqh_I/AAAAAAAAAAc/cYZPQqNBLSk/s400/t1.jpg
An old Karachi Tramway

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oCErgzw6bGU/Ru8uq_QqiAI/AAAAAAAAAAk/inIBG0kTW8Q/s400/t2.jpg
Map of the Karachi Tramway (1893)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oCErgzw6bGU/Ru8u1vQqiBI/AAAAAAAAAAs/TC3UysX3ypU/s320/t3.jpg
A Tram pulled by a Horse

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oCErgzw6bGU/Ru8vEvQqiCI/AAAAAAAAAA0/yVsa2q8eZnk/s320/t4.jpg
Railway Track

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tytsSsNJ_Cg/Sehc9hwSIrI/AAAAAAAABK0/pGFor0qZT44/s400/tram.jpg
A tram in saddar

I wish that it still existed. :(

Nice info........

^^
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=644005&page=5

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/767383310_3d4a5c8cfe_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/767383338_bf2edb2756_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/767383294_62d2dc6b12_o.jpg

Other

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1119/1213626933_66627c9a90_b.jpg

Interesting!

I love the old picture of karachi, does modern karatchi still resemble them much? are the buildings being preserved? it looks like an eastern italy in some of them, very interesting...

http://www.historickarachi.com/images/Karachi%20port.jpg

Very nice pictures, I wish I had this many old pictures of my city

Pakistan Karachi Street Scene Port Of Karachi Jinnah-Mohammed-Ali
Date taken: 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/6be7daa2a37f1a9d_large

Pakistan Misc.
Muslim League National Guardsmen w. theirs & the Pakistani flags, chanting "Free Kashmir" as they ride on a truck through crowd at Boulton Market while advertizing their evening's meeting during propaganda campaign for new recruits.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/012e7bfadc1ee0c9_large

Pakistan Personalities
Pakistani women in purdah, w. their children, being driven by jeep to the Mahatma Gandhi Gardens which is reserved for ladies only on the last Friday of each month where they can take off their veils and really raise hell.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/104b845b9f5a8cb3_large

Pakistan Karachi Street Scene Port Of Karachi Jinnah-Mohammed-Ali
Date taken: 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/fa49d79b243bb666_large

Pakistan Karachi Street Scene Port Of Karachi Jinnah-Mohammed-Ali
Date taken: 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White
Size: 1280 x 1015 pixels (17.8 x 14.1 inches)

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/12a9c489b806e92f_large

Pakistan Karachi Street Scene Port Of Karachi Jinnah-Mohammed-Ali
Date taken: 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/d4138c26b1b01ead_large

Hussain Martyrdom Annniv./Pakistan
Throng of Moslem male celebrants surrounding two men engaged in ritual sword dance during the frenzied religious celebration of the Moslem martyrdom of Hussain during the 10th day of the Moslem month of Muharrum, at Bunder Road..
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/af32993887eec55e_large

Pakistan Misc.
Muslim League National Guardsmen w. their flags, chanting "Free Kashmir" as they ride on a truck through crowd at Boulton Market while advertizing their evening's meeting during propaganda campaign for new recruits.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/07996b74da71bd14_large

The eight nations of SEATO performing their first joint manuvers for a crowd of spectators.
Location: Karachi
Date taken: March 1956
Photographer: John Dominis

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/2bca5b06f10069f5_large

Hussain Martyrdom Annniv./Pakistan
Throng of Moslem male celebrants gathering to watch the ritual sword dance representing the battle of the Moslem martyr Hussain during the 10th day of the Moslem month of Muharrum, at Bunder Road.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/3ad0774b82431c56_large

Pakistan Festival Of Sacrifice
100,000 Pakistani moslems bowing down to Mecca as they form endless rows to pray to Allah during Baqr Id, the Festival of Sacrifice, at Idgah Maidan.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/a8d5fd237356eafd_large

Pakistan Festival Of Sacrifice
100,000 Pakistani moslems bowing down to Mecca as they form endless rows to pray to Allah during Baqr Id, the Festival of Sacrifice, at Idgah Maidan.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/b79d6d1b89baebc5_large

Pakistan Misc.
Pakistani government workers camp comprised of tent where 600 clerks & messenger boys live.
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Date taken: December 1947
Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/f633e085437c356a_large

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k6.gif
Empress Market, Karachi.
Photo by R. Jalbhoy [ca. 1917].

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k7.gif
Frere Hall and Bandstand, Karachi.
Photo by Vanderlowen [ca. 1918].

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k10.gif
The Borree Bazaar, Karachi.
Photo by R. Jalbhoy [ca. 1917]

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k12.gif
Elphinstone Street, Karachi.
Photo by R. Jalbhoy [ca. 1917]

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k1.gif
Khan Sahib H.C. Mama.
[Photographer unknown, ca. 1910]
Well Known Parsis in Karachi

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k2.gif
Ardeshir H. Mama.
[Photographer unknown, ca. 1917]

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k4.gif
Mama Mansions.
Mama Mansions Opening Ceremony (1918).
[Photographer unknown]

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k3.gif
Star Cinema.
Front and Garden View.
[Photographer unknown, ca. 1917]

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k5.gif
Star Cinema.
Proscenium View.
[Photographer unknown, ca. 1917]

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k9.gif
Byramji Dossabhoy & Co.
The Bristol Hotel.
[Photographer unknown, ca. 1917]
Owned by a Parsi family

http://www.harappa.com/photo2/gif/k11.gif
Karachi Port Trust
Administrative Offices.
[Photographer unknown, ca. 1917].

As history shows, this great city was actually created by Parsi Businessmen from Sindh and Gujarat. But in Pakistan, the truth is hidden many times.

Thank you for posting these amazing pictures, love to see nice beautiful peaceful time where our own rich culture was visible everywhere, when we were not much contaminated with western life style though it had started at that time.

Thank you for posting these amazing pictures, love to see nice beautiful peaceful time where our own rich culture was visible everywhere, when we were not much contaminated with western life style though it had started at that time.

Yeah, must have been nice to ride around in camels and horses. If the Brits never came, you'd be polishing the shoe of some rich Mughal King right now. Look at all the pictures of the magnificent buildings, train stations, cinemas, schools etc they built here.

Yeah, must have been nice to ride around in camels and horses. If the Brits never came, you'd be polishing the shoe of some rich Mughal King right now. Look at all the pictures of the magnificent buildings, train stations, cinemas, schools etc they built here.

Why you took it negative, everybody was not polishing shoes of Mughals, even doing that was better than doing it for Goras. I know there was great development during Gora Raaj but huge local population was polishing the shoes of outsiders at that time too. Do you think every Indian during British rule was Majors, Colonels etc and people from England came to that part of world to polish the shoes of local people? I love my culture if you don't no problem.

Yeah, must have been nice to ride around in camels and horses. If the Brits never came, you'd be polishing the shoe of some rich Mughal King right now. Look at all the pictures of the magnificent buildings, train stations, cinemas, schools etc they built here.

i would differ wid u on one thing.. there wouldn't be any mughal kings.. instead, we'd probably be divided into small states. rest would be as u explained..

Why you took it negative, everybody was not polishing shoes of Mughals, even doing that was better than doing it for Goras. I know there was great development during Gora Raaj but huge local population was polishing the shoes of outsiders at that time too. Do you think every Indian during British rule was Majors, Colonels etc and people from England came to that part of world to polish the shoes of local people? I love my culture if you don't no problem.

Our culture does not consist of mughal. Mughals are the invaders from afghanistan and central asia. We come from the Indus valley. Mughals were basic looters.

Anyway. A pic of karachi from 1976.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/48/127295217_908a3c6f53.jpg

^^
Wow, it was much cleaner back then! And the color of that building is not the same currently, if I'm not wrong.

Why you took it negative, everybody was not polishing shoes of Mughals, even doing that was better than doing it for Goras. I know there was great development during Gora Raaj but huge local population was polishing the shoes of outsiders at that time too. Do you think every Indian during British rule was Majors, Colonels etc and people from England came to that part of world to polish the shoes of local people? I love my culture if you don't no problem.

Culture, just like language, is not a static thing. It changes. The arrival of the Brits changed it, just like many other factors will change it in the future.

^^
Wow, it was much cleaner back then! And the color of that building is not the same currently, if I'm not wrong.

Karachi's population was extremely law at that time! Things were simple and Normal. Now its a Catastrophe, in which the slums have gotten larger and streets have become more stuffed. Same with every other city in Pakistan exept Isloo!

Karachi's population was extremely law at that time! Things were simple and Normal. Now its a Catastrophe, in which the slums have gotten larger and streets have become more stuffed. Same with every other city in Pakistan exept Isloo!

Yes, Pakistan has same area size but the population has gone up about 600% since 1947 and we have been adding it more rapidly, I had a relative who’s score was 17 from three wives but (un)fortunately he was died in a road accident otherwise……..who knows, I was reading a news today that a bank has laid off a former boxer who has 12 children. :nuts:

Not sure if these have been posted yet or not.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5399654185_6ef25dc08f_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5400255154_2a88680122_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5400255050_1a5d0a253b_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5399653879_6cece37850_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5400254854_708505a4c6_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5399653651_2b0d59aeb2_b.jpg

These were government offices of Karachi in 1947. Looking at this, haven't we come a long way?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5397460875_f042180aaa_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5397460657_ab28af2d8d_b.jpg

Great pictures, brighty. Very enlightening! Karachi was so beautiful back then. :drool:

Great pictures, the building on the right in the last picture is so hideous now. We even had a tram back then.

My God! These pictures are so beautiful! :shocked:


Two words sum it up better than any, paradise......lost! :no:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5400255154_2a88680122_b.jpg

It was just as dirty back then.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5400255154_2a88680122_b.jpg

It was just as dirty back then.

Yeah right! You gotta be smoking some branded shit to think it was just as dirty back then! :crazy:

Thats just a little animal dung and some construction debris. Besides it doesn't take away from the fact that it was such a simpler time with simpler people, the pace was slower and more relaxed. The only Karachi that I have witnessed is that of the 90's but still just looking at these pictures gives me a sense of solace like no other. I wish I could teleport myself back to those days. :(

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5400255154_2a88680122_b.jpg

It was just as dirty back then.

It was actually Better than whatever we have today!

Great Find BrightSide!

Video of Karachi in 1942:

K1GUCSYeb9U

^^ chipmunks used to roam around karachi once??? :eek:

Map of Karachi, 1893

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Mapkhi1893.jpg


A few questions. What happened to that Island on the left? Looks like it turned into the PAF Base Masroor :ohno:

And is the Port of Karachi area/ Keamari is mostly reclaimed area.

THere were 2 sanitaria back then? And which island are you talking about?

Beside Lyari River. It says Baghdad Lines and also has a Dhobi Ghat.

Without taking help of a map, and if it is Lyari, then that area is Nazimabad + NNazimabad + Federal B ARea, etc... All of those areas are on that side of Lyari

^^ chipmunks used to roam around karachi once??? :eek:

now we have MQM roaming the streets:ohno:

Karachi map of 1838. This must be the earliest map of the city - before any development took place at all:

http://farzana.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/9-old-karachi-an-early-map-of-the-harbor-carless1838-copy.jpg

kurrachee_harbour_1882

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5511957245_81cf9dcc38_o.jpg

Chota anda
Bara anda

Our culture does not consist of mughal. Mughals are the invaders from afghanistan and central asia. We come from the Indus valley. Mughals were basic looters.

Anyway. A pic of karachi from 1976.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/48/127295217_908a3c6f53.jpg

Nice one. It'd be even nicer to see more pics of city in 50s & 60s when it was a booming capital.

Karachi in 1962

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss79/rashidz5/KPT0001.jpg

Except for Memon Masjid not much has changed.

I researching my family history and folklore passed down states a statue was erected in Karachi during the late 1800's in memory of my ancestor Edna Danks, for reasons I am not sure, but possibly she may have been a doctor.

I am aware that many statues were destroyed in the 1970's and 80's, however are there any records of statues that existed, I would be grateful if anybody could point me in the right direction

^^ Would you know where the statue was built. It might have been around Clifton, Saddar, Manora or Chundriger region. These regions were primarily british built.

I researching my family history and folklore passed down states a statue was erected in Karachi during the late 1800's in memory of my ancestor Edna Danks, for reasons I am not sure, but possibly she may have been a doctor.

I am aware that many statues were destroyed in the 1970's and 80's, however are there any records of statues that existed, I would be grateful if anybody could point me in the right direction
There's a fountain, IIRC, in Frere Park which is dedicated to some female. I don't know any more about it, so could be your ancestor or something. I don't know if there's a statue (or used to be one) there. I'm trying to think of more and if I come up with something I'll post it here.

There's a statue at DHA Golf Club in Karachi but that's fairly new though. Excuse my ignorance but why were statues destroyed? I think it was one of the tactics of Zia's Islamization right?

1954
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/4010647034_f5575f18a8_z.jpg?zz=1

Eduljee Dinshaw Charity hospital, 1913
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/4007656618_bee0814fa6.jpg

Saddar Bazaar
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4858109290_28f6dfeefd_z.jpg

Bolton Market, 1920
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/4007656624_d40d7ddab2_z.jpg?zz=1

Manora
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/4007658882_d432410dd7_z.jpg?zz=1

Lots and lots of pics here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67075647@N02/6194192576/) of Karachi between 1980-1990.

Sample

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/6194192576_963afca071_b.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nA0Xl4dsz0o/Ts9DJKSnHUI/AAAAAAAAAI8/sNNVRJtKsuA/s647/Saddar+Lucky+Star+Chowk.jpg
People out in streets & balconies, Sept 11, 1948


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEuAbhxkCyc/Ts9C2aqLbCI/AAAAAAAAAFo/KPNejVk2AFk/s517/Bandar+road+Namaz+e+Jumma.jpg
Namaz-e-janaza for Quaid

Sind Club 1928

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2517/5741979091_30fe804b0e_b.jpg

Sindh-Club-and-the-Frere-Hall-1890

http://epropertypk.com/gallery/d/1654-3/Sindh-Club-and-the-Frere-Hall-1890.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2324/5742531088_65448dd499_b.jpg

Sind Club (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sind_Club)

It's probably still the most exclusive club in Pakistan, certainly in Karachi. For example, Karachi Gymkhana has thousands of members while Sind Club has less than a thousand, or at least it did.

Allow me to brag a little here. My dad is a member and when I lived in Karachi many years ago we used to go there, but we used to go a lot more to Gymkhana.

[Palace Hotel, Karachi]

The Sheraton Karachi stands at the site where the Palace Hotel once stood

http://www.imagesofasia.com/html/pakistan/images/large/palace-hotel.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6515624811_d508b6d44b_b.jpg

We used to have fire hydrant and water channels on streets! I guess they are no more.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/zees/palace-hotel.jpg

I researching my family history and folklore passed down states a statue was erected in Karachi during the late 1800's in memory of my ancestor Edna Danks, for reasons I am not sure, but possibly she may have been a doctor.

I am aware that many statues were destroyed in the 1970's and 80's, however are there any records of statues that existed, I would be grateful if anybody could point me in the right direction

Most of the English Era statues are now inside Mohatta Palace Museum ground such as Queen Victoria, soldiers of the Raj etc.

We used to have fire hydrant and water channels on streets! I guess they are no more.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/zees/palace-hotel.jpg
That's a post box or whatever it's called.

That's a post box or whatever it's called.

Yes its a letter box :)

June 23, 1974

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/7228022904_c9161d0374_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7228032466_f7a71a5a0f_b.jpg

@brightside. That's a very nice picture of the Palace Hotel. It was such a beautiful building - I wish it hadn't been demolished. Here's some info. I found:

Palace Hotel, Karachi

Manufacturer: Noritake, Japan
User: Palace Hotel, Karachi
Date: circa 1953

Notes: The Palace Hotel was located in Karachi, Pakistan — the largest city in Pakistan, locally known as the "City of Lights." Built by Parsi (Parsee) entrepreneur Mama after World War I, the original Palace Hotel building was named Mama's Palace. Mama forfeited the property to the Punjab National Bank, which eventually sold the property in the early 1930s to Sidney Marder. In 1933-34, Marder renamed the hotel on Club Road the Killarney Hotel - Marder's Palace. In the years that followed, the property was simply known as the Palace Hotel.

This Palace Hotel cup & saucer dates to circa 1953 — a time when Karachi was the original capital of Pakistan, before the capital of Pakistan was moved to Rawalpindi in 1958 and then to Islamabad in 1960. It was a period of great economic growth in Karachi, after Pakistan had gained independence in 1947.

In the 1950s, nightclubs were popular in Karachi and many of the clubs were run by the hotels. The Palace Hotel had its favored Le Gourmet nightclub, where jazz musicians from abroad were the main attraction. International travelers, including foreign delegates and reporters, frequented the hotel in the 1950s, and the Palace Hotel was ranked as the third best hotel in Karachi in the 1960s. The ultimate fate of the Palace Hotel was to be razed for the construction of the Sheraton Karachi Hotel & Towers, which opened in 1982 as an international five-star hotel and remains in operation as of 2008.

White body with an alternating line and band border of gold, white, gold, dark blue and gold. Topmarked "Karachi" with the profile of an elephant head in the shape of the letter "P" in front of "alace Hotel".

http://www.restaurantwarecollectors.com/forums/imagehosting/124348b469b43342d.jpg

http://www.restaurantwarecollectors.com/forums/imagehosting/124348b469b412cb9.jpg

http://www.restaurantwarecollectors.com/forums/imagehosting/124348b469b427ca0.jpg

http://www.restaurantwarecollectors.com/forums/showwiki.php?title=Palace+Hotel+Karachi

Delete...sorry, it's been posted before...

karachi 1873 Photograph of the exterior of the Parsi Virbaiji School in Karachi.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182340_3661112539479_1624650587_2800498_1396903313_n.jpg

Awesome pics. Thanks for sharing.