TRAVEL GUIDE: IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN LAHORE, YOU AREN'T BORN YET 🇵🇰

In the local language of my city, there is a saying "If you haven't explored Lahore, you aren't born yet". Meaning no matter what part of the world you've been to, if you haven't seen Lahore, you don't exist in the world! 

Although I was brought up in this city as a kid, I happened to spend my teenage in Malaysia so I did not get the opportunity to tour this city thoroughly. Specifically speaking, I was familiar with the modern side of the city, but never visited the historic side (walled city) of Lahore. 

The city has a rich history; consisting of Islamic, Sikh, & Hindu heritage. The blend of the Mughal Empire & British Empire makes it a gorgeous example of a diversified city. Not to mention, the 13 million inhabitants of Lahore are some of the most welcoming people in the world! 

So, just a couple of weeks ago, I finally told myself "It's time to be officially born" because I decided to explore the historic side of Lahore Let the journey begin!

It took me a 2-5 minute walk to reach Orange Train Station. Taking the infamous Orange Line Train nearby my neighborhood, I started my journey on a cold rainy day with the temperature touching the single figures (almost). 

Just after 20 odd minutes of commute on the train, I reached the walled or in other words, the historic part of Lahore! 

Upon arriving, I was astonished by the number of people at Delhi Gate! It felt as if I another world where old traditions and new norms co-exist. It was a breathtaking sight! For example, the transportation was based on from Taxis to as old as Horse-carts. 

Mouth-watering traditional delicacies like, Dahi Barra or Channa Chat were being made by street food vendors at the entrance point. Anyhow, it started raining but I did not see a decrease in the number of people. 

Some of the people were tourists like me, and some were there for shopping. Talking about the shopping, the markets seemed refurbished, yet they had a 100-year-old style of design.

Just around the market, there is the the the "Wazir Khan Mosque". For a moment, I was stunned when I saw wonderful remains of Mughal architecture. Built in the 17th century, it is the masterpiece of Mughal history. Hundreds of years have gone by, but still, the mosque is in stable condition. 

To be honest, that place gave me goosebumps and the vibe was quite soulful. Seeing the history made me realize how strong our cultural roots are. 

Just after walking a few meters, I found a metal market. It is tremendous to explore one of the largest metals markets in South Asia (Loha Mandi). The market was so densely packed by the steel, iron, and copper work that it was difficult to navigate your way through the market. 

In this market, wherever I saw on my sides, I found nothing but metal! One of the shop vendors told that during the British Empire, this market was established to provide metals for industrialization purposes. 

This market served as a hub for the import and export of metals when industrialization had started in Sub-continent in the late 1800s. This market has played an indirect vital role for the development of human race.

Not to mention, I got fascinated when I saw the school building around that area. It was not like the conventional building which we all have in our minds. It was rather a baloney-based school building surrounded by chaotic markets. 

Upon asking one of the locals, I got to know that building was on the verge of collapse a few years back. It belonged to a Sikh family of India (before partition). It was just an empty building and to prevent it from collapsing, the local authorities restored and turned it into a school! Now, local kids happily enjoin their teachers and friends at their newly preserved school building. 

Just imagine how would it feel like when you are studying history and becoming a part of history at the same time! It is pretty much the same case with kids going in this school. 

Upon returning, I realized that it's quite important to stay intact with your history. No matter where you go, your identity never changes. Be proud of your culture and help to preserve it by representing it. Though I may not have that "strongest" connection with my roots due to living abroad, yet I never missed any chance to represent my culture whether at my international school's cultural show or during a conversation with foreign friends. 

My friends in Malaysia had even named me "Mr.Pakistan" or "Pakistani Ambassador" because every discussion with them would have something being discussed related to Pakistani culture.  Anyhow, on my way home, light rainfall turned into a heavy thunderstorm of winter that you don't want to get wet in. 

After this entire journey, I finally understood why people of Lahore say "If you haven't explored Lahore, you aren't born yet".

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