Old pictures of Pakistani Cities

Karachi wedding..

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Lahore
On the left you can see part of Lahore fort. This is the area where Fort road passes at present.
 
Napier Mole Bridge Karachi in Old Days.


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بٹیر باز (دالگراں ) 1929
پرانی تصویر کو AI سے کلر کیا گیا ہے
اندرون پشاور کا بازار دالگراں اور اس سے متصل بٹیر بازاں (ڈھکی نعلبندی) کا علاقہ اپنی صدیوں پرانی ثقافت، منفرد طرزِ زندگی اور تاریخی پس منظر کی وجہ سے مشہور ہے۔ یہ بازار قصہ خوانی اور گور کھتری کے تاریخی راستوں کے درمیان واقع ہے۔
بازار دالگراں کا پس منظر اور نام کی وجہ
دال بنانے کا مرکز: "دالگراں" دراصل فارسی زبان کا لفظ ہے جس کا مطلب "دالیں بنانے یا بیچنے والے" ہے۔ ماضی میں اس ڈھکی اور بازار میں مختلف اجناس (جیسے مٹر، چنا، اور مونگ) کو دیسی چکیاں چلا کر دالوں میں تبدیل کیا جاتا تھا۔ اسی مناسبت سے اس کا نام ڈھکی دالگراں پڑ گیا۔
چائے کی قدیم دکانیں: 1890ء کی دہائی اور بیسویں صدی کے وسط کی تاریخی تصاویر سے معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ یہ چوک چائے خانوں کا گڑھ ہوا کرتا تھا۔ یہاں سے مشہور "چائے والا بازار" شروع ہوتا ہے، جہاں دور دراز سے آئے تاجر روایتی قہوہ اور چائے پیتے تھے۔
بٹیر بازاں (بٹیر بازار) کی تاریخ
شوقین مزاجوں کا گڑھ: بازار دالگراں کے بالکل ساتھ ہی "بٹیر بازاں" کا علاقہ ہے۔ برصغیر میں مغلیہ دور کے زوال کے وقت جہاں لکھنؤ میں بٹیر بازی عروج پر تھی، وہیں پاکستان کے خطوں میں پشاور اس شوق کا سب سے بڑا مرکز بن کر ابھرا۔

پرندوں کی خرید و فروخت اور لڑائی: پرانے وقتوں میں اس مخصوص گلی یا بازار میں بٹیر، کبوتر اور دیگر نایاب پرندے بیچنے والوں کی دکانیں ہوتی تھیں۔ پشاور کے روایتی "بٹیر باز" (بٹیر پالنے اور لڑانے کے شوقین) یہاں جمع ہوتے تھے، بٹیروں کو ہاتھوں پر اٹھا کر گھومتے اور ان
کی لڑائیوں پر شرطیں لگاتے تھے
Quail Bazaar (Dalgran) 1929

The old image has been colored with AI
The Dalgran Bazaar and the adjacent Quail Bazaar (Dhakki Naalbandi) area of inner Peshawar are famous for their centuries-old culture, unique lifestyle and historical background. This bazaar is located between the historical routes of Qissa Khawani and Gor Khatri.

Background of Dalgran Bazaar and the reason for its name
Dal-making center: "Dalgran" is actually a Persian word meaning "one who makes or sells pulses". In the past, various commodities (such as peas, chickpeas, and moong) were converted into pulses in this dhaki and bazaar by running indigenous mills. Accordingly, it was named Dhaki Dalgran.

Old Tea Shops: Historical photographs from the 1890s and the mid-20th century show that this square used to be a hub of tea shops. From here begins the famous "Chaywala Bazaar", where traders from far and wide used to drink traditional coffee and tea.

History of Batir Bazan (Batir Bazaar)

A haven of enthusiasts: Right next to the market Dalgran is the area of "Batir Bazan". While quail hunting was at its peak in Lucknow during the decline of the Mughal era in the subcontinent, Peshawar emerged as the biggest center of this hobby in the regions of Pakistan.

Bird buying, selling and fighting: In the old days, this particular street or market used to have shops selling quail, pigeons and other rare birds. The traditional "Batir Bazan" (quail breeders and fighters) of Peshawar used to gather here, carry quails in their hands and place bets on their fights.
 
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North Western Hotel – A Forgotten Landmark of Old Karachi.....

Established in 1908, the North Western Hotel was one of Karachi's finest railway hotels and a proud symbol of the city's early hospitality industry.

Originally owned by the Wyse family, a Jewish family of Austrian origin, the hotel welcomed travelers arriving by train long before Karachi had modern hotels or highways.

Later, the hotel came under the ownership of Agha Mohammad Yusuf, who transformed it into a popular dining destination with Agha's Grill and Agha's Tavern.

One restaurant specialized in grilled and continental cuisine, while the other served delicious traditional Pakistani dishes. Renowned for its excellent food, elegant architecture, and warm hospitality, the hotel became a favorite gathering place for families and visitors.

Many Karachiites still fondly remember its outstanding catering services, managed for many years by Hisham.

Located on Beaumont Road, behind PIDC House, and close to Karachi Cantonment Railway Station, the North Western Hotel remained a familiar landmark for decades. For many, it was more than just a hotel—it was a place where countless memories were made over family dinners, celebrations, and memorable gatherings.

Sadly, the North Western Hotel was eventually demolished, bringing an end to another magnificent chapter of Karachi's architectural and culinary heritage.
 
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rlton Hotel – A Lost Landmark Opposite Karachi Cantt Station...

Long before modern hotels transformed Karachi's skyline, the area around Karachi Cantonment Railway Station was home to a collection of elegant establishments known as the Railway Hotels.

Among the most prominent was the Carlton Hotel, which occupied approximately 3.84 acres of land directly opposite the railway crossing near Cantt Station in Civil Lines.

During the early decades of the twentieth century, the Carlton welcomed railway passengers, businessmen, government officials, and visitors arriving in Karachi from across British India. Its location made it one of the city's most convenient and prestigious hotels.

The Carlton was part of a distinguished group of Railway Hotels that also included the Killarney Hotel (today Bay View High School's Senior Heritage Campus), the Grand Western Hotel, and the Bristol Hotel. Together, these hotels formed the heart of Karachi's railway district and played an important role in the city's hospitality industry.

Sadly, the Carlton Hotel was demolished before it could be granted heritage protection, erasing another architectural landmark from Karachi's historic landscape.

Today, only old photographs and the memories of former residents remain to tell the story of this once-famous hotel.
 
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Hotel Plaza International – A Forgotten Landmark of Civil Lines...

Among the many hotels that once gave Karachi its cosmopolitan character was Hotel Plaza International, located on Dawood Pota Road near Karachi Cantt Station in Civil Lines.

For many Karachiites, it was much more than just a hotel. One of its biggest attractions was its rooftop disco, where live music created a vibrant atmosphere.

During its heyday, the venue was frequented by well-known musicians, artists, celebrities, and visitors from across Pakistan and abroad, making it one of the city's most popular nightlife destinations.

The hotel was also renowned for its delicious food and warm hospitality, attracting both local families and travelers staying in the Civil Lines area.

Sadly, this iconic landmark was demolished a few years ago, bringing an end to another chapter of Karachi's architectural and social history. With its demolition, the city lost yet another place where countless memories were made.

Today, Hotel Plaza International lives on only through the memories of those who experienced its lively evenings, and unforgettable ambience.
 

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