Identifying the History of Walled City Bazaars of Lahore

Abstract

Commercial activity in the Walled City of Lahore is a major urban morphology determinant. Commercial and residential functions are under one roof traditionally. River Ravi had acted as a trade artery for timber trade in medieval times. Historical record of last two thousand years only is available for Lahore. Trade between east and west greatly benefited the city commercially. Mughals established markets for public benefit like Akbari Mandi. Both primary and secondary data has been used for the study. It is a predominantly qualitative research. Social constructivism is the method employed-using satellite images and interviews with business owners. Bazaars study is a neglected area in research so far. Wholesale and retail go side by side. Mechanization has marred the traditional look and ways of doing business. It is still the most vibrant and industrious part of the city. Traditional goods of Papad Mandi and Bazaar Hakiman go hand in hand with industrial materials like Rexene and plastics. Increase in traffic has effected many businesses e.g. motor workshops of Masti Gate is now a Rim Market. Let not the concrete jungle replace traditional architecture. Tearing down havelis to build plazas is tolerable in modern Lahore. It should be avoided in Walled City at all costs.