Multan City of Saints and Culture

By Saira Zehra Jafri

Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam: The exterior is embellished with regional-style tile-work in floral, arabesque, and geometric motifs with dark blue, azure, and white tiles - all of which contrast the deep red finely polished bricks.

It is fascinating to delve into the depths of Multan’s mystical history- City of Saints, peeling back layers of times, looking for evidence of Multan’s glory and spiritual pull for those who wonder about what lies beyond this world.

Multan, one of the oldest cities in South Asia, sits on a major invasion route between South and Central Asia. A city rooted in Sufism, history and culture, Multan is said to have founded by Prophet Noah’s great grandson. It has since been the home for ancient Aryan civilization, been sought after by Alexander the Great, bore on its bosom the legendary Temple of Sun, been part of Ghandara Civilization, besieged and ruled by Muhamad Bin Qasim, seen Abbassid, Ghaznavid invasions , enjoyed independent Emirate era, thrived in Mughal Era, witnessed Sikhs rulers to British colonies until it became Pakistan’s now seventh largest city. The likes of Alberuni, Ibn Batuta and Al Muqadassi have mentioned it in their writings.

While one part of the world was grappling with the Dark Ages, Muslims around the world were thriving with theology and thought. Multan being a trading centres of the medieval Islamic Indian subcontinent, became a haven for many influential Sufis mainly from Persia who brought with them rich cultures and crafts along with religion and philosophies. Multan blossomed into “The City of Saints.”

Tomb of Shah Rukn-we-Alam

The famous shrine of the Sufi Saint Shah- Rukn-e- Alam is located in the northwestern edge of Multan Fort. The mausoleum is considered to be the earliest example of Tughluq architecture, and is one of the most impressive shrines in Asia. The grand structure is not only a of a great saint but also a masterpiece of the Islamic architecture that dates back to the medieval era. Besides its religious importance, the mausoleum is also of considerable archaeological value as its dome is reputed to be the second largest in the world,

Bahauddin Zakariya Mausoleum

Bahauddin Zakariya was a Muslim scholar saint and poet who established the Suhrawardiyya order of Baghdad in medieval South Asia, later becoming one of the most influential spiritual leaders of his era.

For fifteen years, Zakariya travelled to different cities in southern Punjab, where the order was able to attract large Shrine of Shah Yousuf Gardezi, Multan.

numbers of converts from Hinduism. Zakariya finally settled in Multan in 1222. Under his influence, Multan became known as “Baghdad of the East,” and is referred by Zakariya in his Persian poetry:

Multan ma ba jannat a’la barabara

Multan of ours is comparable to the great Paradise. Ahista pa ba-nah ke malik sajda mi kunad. Tread slowly, the angels are paying obeisance here.

Shah Yousuf Gardez Shrine

The historical heart of the site is a small cubical building with a flat roof, decorated on all sides with blue and white glazed tiles embellished with floral patterns and Aina Kari (mirror work) on the interior.

City are marked by many gates, such as Lohari Gate, Haram Gate, Bohar Gate, Delhi Gate, Dolat Gate and Pak Gate. The present wall was constructed in 1756 AD. These walls are now rehabilitated under The Multan Walled City Project.

Hussain Agahi Bazaar

This is Multan’s oldest bazaar and is nothing short of a landmark. Within the bustling streets of this traditional souk you’ll find a vibrant market full of art, craft and fabrics. You can find everything from traditional Multani embroidery, famous blue pottery, handcrafted Khussas to all sort of edible treats here. Within this bazaar, there is a market of dry fruits named Gurh Mandi.

Even just walking down the streets of this bazar will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

Shah Gardez was an Islamic Sufi saint who came to Multan, (present-day Punjab, Pakistan) in 1088 AD from Gardez in the present day Ghazni. He is said to have restored the city of Multan, converted many people to the Islam, and worked tirelessly for the community. Shah Yousuf Gardezi’s tomb is located about 600 meters southwest of the fort of Multan. The historical heart of the site is a small cubical building with a flat roof, decorated on all sides with blue and white glazed tiles embellished with floral patterns and Aina Kari (mirror work) on the interior.

Faseel-e-Multan

Multan’s inner city is fenced by an ancient wall, which was constructed in 1756 AD. It was built and rebuilt many times as it was destroyed in battles. The entrances to the Walled

Ghanta Ghar – The Clock Tower of Multan

Multan’s Ghanta Ghar was built in 1884 A.D during the British colonial period. Since 1888 it served as the site for British Municipal offices. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the Hall was renamed Jinnah Hall and continued to serve as government offices. It is currently being converted into a museum.

Multani Mitti

Multani mitti is used as a natural cleanser and astringent, offering a host of benefits for the skin, including reducing oil, fighting acne, balancing and brightening skin tone and reducing pigmentation

Extracted from the sediment of Multan’s ancient lakes and rivers, it is dried in the sun, and then processed to remove any impurities. It’s high in minerals and antioxidants and has many health benefits.

It’s composed of hydrated aluminium silicates and is rich in magnesium chloride and calcium bentonite, a composition similar to bentonite clay. It’s found in a large range of natural colours like brown, green, and white.

Kashikari or Multan Blue Pottery

The Persian influence in the Kashikari artwork is evident by the drawing of plants, flowers, and geometric patterns.

Kashikari is pottery making and designing style with blue paint on white surface. Multan is known for its “Kashi” (blue) pottery works. This craft is influenced by Persian, Central Asian and Mongolian art, and its origin can be traced to the city of Kashgar, in western China. Each piece is handcrafted and hand-painted before being treated with heat, and the resulting product, though very delicate, is also remarkably durable. The Persian influence in the artwork can be seen by the drawing of plants, flowers, and geometric patterns.

Multani Sohan Halwa

Multani Sohan halwa is a famous dessert from Multan with its origin dating back to Mughal era. For a true foodie, Sohan Halwa is to winter what mangoes are to summer, except it is not limited just to the winters. This famous mithai has come to be the defining symbol of Multan. lies on the main Railway line between Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore and Quetta. The line serves as the main passenger and freight line webbing through Pakistan and 75% of the country’s cargo and passenger traffic uses the track. Being part of CPEC, with average rail speed is expected to double up to 160 kilometres per hour upon completion of the ongoing upgrade.

Mangoes – Anwar Ratol

Multan’s Anwar Ratol is famous and highly desired mango. A mango grafter migrated from Ratol to Pakistan, transplanted a sprig there and named it Anwar, after his father. Anwar Ratol is considered top of the line in terms of shape, weight, size and taste. Its deceptively sweet flavour and strong aroma makes it stand out.

With a temperature range of 40OC to 45oC in summer Multan is best place for the growth of a high-quality mango. Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest mango producer. Some of the most popular types of mangoes produced and exported in Pakistan include, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Sindhri, Dussehri, and Langra.

Vans Agnew Monument

The monument is to the memory of one of the important political agents of the East India Company whose assassination by the loyal’s of Diwan of Multan in 1848, led to the siege of Multan and eventually precipitated the second Sikh war that led to annexation of the Punjab by British East India Company.

Railway Station Multan

The line serves as the main passenger and freight line webbing through Pakistan

Multan is connected by rail with all parts of the country and