Lahore, the City of History and Culture

Lahore (Urdu: Lāhawr) is the second-largest city of Pakistan and has a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years.

The first recorded mention of the city can be found in the 982 AD ‘Hudud-i-Alam’ where Lahore is mentioned as a small city with large temples, markets and orchards.

Much of the Mughal Empire influence to this day stands strong in Lahore. It was during this time period that Lahore was at the pinnacle of its architectural glory, starting with the rule of the first Mughal Emperor Babur in 1524, right up until 1752 when Mughal rule finally came to an end. From the famous Wazir Khan Mosque, Shahi Hamam to the Badshahi Mosque and the Royal Fort, these magnificent structures have withstood the ravages of time right up to the establishment of the British Raj and the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947.

Many historians agree that Lahore was originally founded as early as the second century, but traces of the ancient city are few and far between. While there are several legends associated with the founding of the city, perhaps the most popular one is of the Hindu god Ram’s son.

The Wazir Khan Mosque is a 17th-century mosque located in the city of Lahore. It is considered to be the most ornately decorated Mughal-era mosque and is renowned for its intricate tile work known as kashi-kari.


It was commissioned during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan.

The mosque is located along the southern side of Lahore's Shahi Guzargah, "Royal Road," which was the traditional route traversed by Mughal nobles on their way to royal residences at the Lahore Fort.

The Shahi Hammam "Royal Baths"  is a Persian-style bath that was built in Lahore in 1635 C.E. during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. The Shahi Hammam is the last remaining Mughal-era hammam in Lahore.

The Shahi Hammam is located just within the Walled City of Lahore, steps away from the Delhi Gate. 
It was built by the chief physician to the Mughal Court, Wazir Khan. The baths were built to serve as an endowment for the maintenance of the Wazir Khan Mosque.

Frescoes under the main dome have been preserved and restored between 2013 and 2015 by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Walled City of Lahore Authority.

Lahore is a bustling metropolis and the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, full of culture and history.

With its rich influences from the Mughal Empire, to the reflection of Sikh, Hindu and British governance, there are multi-faceted aspects to Lahori culture. 

Northwest of Lahore lies the Walled City, where it feels like one has travelled into the past.

Regal old mosques, tombs, residential buildings and bazaars where families have been living for centuries in their ancestral homes are the highlights of this area.

Walled City by night.

A spicy, steaming beef or mutton trotters broth is cooked overnight and served for breakfast.

Curried chickpeas slow cooked with chicken is served with fresh naans (leavened bread).

Succulent chicken breast is pan-fried with spices on a hot tawa (iron cast pan) to create a mouthwatering dish.

Leavened bread is fast-cooked on the sides of a superhot clay oven.