The Walled City of Lahore or Androon Lahore is a historical place, established around 1000 CE. Lahore has thirteen historic gates and all city population lived inside these gates. With the passage of time these gates and wall around the city started to disappear but still few gates are in good shape. Among these, the most iconic gate is Dehli Gate, which was the hub of trade and many important architectural buildings are present inside it. Government is paying full attention to develop and restore this area like in old time.
Dehli Gate, one of the most important thirteen gates of Lahore was constructed during the Mughal era. This gate was named Dehli gate as this was a direct route to Dehli which was the capital of Mughal empire at that time. So this gate was the main passageway for trading caravans and all travelers to journey between Dehli to Lahore. Dehli gate's structure is very royal and remind us the Mughal era's craftsmanship. These kind of structures are found in all over subcontinent mainly constructed during the Mughal period.
Today, the "Walled City of Lahore Authority" has restored this area beautifully and it attracts many local and international tourists to visit this enchanting preserve place in Lahore. They also organize many cultural and musical programs to attract visitors. During the visit of Dehli gate many other must visit historic places are Wazir Khan Mosque, Shahi Hammam and Surjan Singh Street, all these place showcase the glimpse of Lahore’s vibrant past.
Another important heritage building near Delhi Gate is the Shahi Hammam (Royal Bathhouse). This Hammam was built in 1635 in Mughal era and facilitated travelers and locals to clean themselves. The Hammam's architecture was influenced by Persians and Mughals architecture. The Shahi Hammam now functions as a museum and showcases social and cultural life of old Lahore.
Just a short walk away from Dehli Gate lies the Wazir Khan Mosque, this mosque was built in 1634–35 by Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque was a fine example of Mughal architecture. The Wazir Khan Mosque is renowned for its vibrant tile work, known as Kashi Kari. The mosaic patterns, Quranic inscriptions, and floral motifs beautifully crafted and remind us height of craftsmanship of Mughal era.
The Walled City of Lahore Authority has also preserved the Surjan Singh Street, in Dehli gate bazar. The street is narrow and many families live there but now they have thematically restored and decorated this street like old times for tourist. Different shops have developed and offer traditional food and sitting areas inside houses. This street is now trending on social media as most visited place around Dehli gate.
I enjoyed a lot to visit this place during my visit to Lahore. The cool thing of this place is to explore this place by walking and all surrounding is epic and remind us a history and glory of past. Must-visit place during the visit of Lahore to experience all these landmarks which remind us the time when Lahore was a jewel of the Mughal Empire.
