LAHORE: The participants of the Lahore Literary Festival 2017 have been out and about the city and making us all fall in love with it all over again.
Scottish historian and writer William Dalrymple, British historian and author Alex von Tunzelmann, British radio and television presenter and journalist Anita Anand and Worcester College, Oxford senior research fellow and author Peter Frankopan have been documenting their experience of Lahore on Twitter, rejuvenating our fondness for the cultural capital of Pakistan.
Arrival in Lahore
Anand shared her journey of travelling from Karachi to Islamabad and later Lahore for the promotion of her new book, Kohinoor: The Story of World’s Most Infamous Diamond, which has been co-authored by Dalrymple.
Frankopan also announced his arrival in the ‘glorious [and] lovely’ city through this tweet.
Trip to the Androon
The Walled City of Lahore, or Androon Sheher (inner city), holds immense importance as it is imagined as a product of cultural nostalgia, reminiscent of the rich historical and cultural past of the city. It also houses many architectural and cultural marvels such as Wazir Khan Mosque and Shahi Hamam (Royal Baths).
Tunzelmann shared a view of the creative transport of the Walled City.
Shahi Hamam
Shahi Hamam, which can be reached through Delhi Gate of the Walled City, was built in 1630s by the Mughals. The heritage site has recently been restored.
Dalrymple shared a picture of the site and called it the “best new architectural restoration project… in South Asia.”
Tunzelmann was also full of praises for the site.
She also shared a picture of the artwork inside the hamam.
Wazir Khan Mosque
The mosque, known for its unique and spectacular architecture, cast its majestic spell on the tourists leaving them in awe.
At one point, Tunzelmann accepted her photography skills were not nearly as amazing as those of Dalrymple
Lahore Fort
They also revisited the pages of history with a tour of the Lahore Fort.
Lahore Museum
The literati discovered some stunning artwork present at the Lahore Museum.
Badshahi Mosque
Last but not the least, they also visit the New Food Street and posted pictures of the quintessential structure of Mughal era, Badshahi Mosque.
Although, Tunzelmann did agree that taking pictures of the Badshahi Mosque at night can be quiet tricky (a struggle all of us know too well).
At last, a beautiful aerial view of Lahore to rekindle the happiness and warmth we feel in the city.
