Multan the land of the mystics is probably the oldest surviving city in south west Asia. The history of Multan is the history of the sub-continent. Every invader from Alexander, through the Mughals, right up to the British have fought for control of the city. Here in Multan, are more tombs of saints and Sufis gathered at one place than anywhere else in the world. The city is dominated by towering brick and marble shrines, in particular by its eleventh century patron saints. They are not only an object of veneration for the locals, but also for thousands of people who throng in massive numbers to these shrines, searching for spiritual enlightenment. In fact, the galaxy of mosques and mausoleums erected in Multan speak eloquently of the grandeur and sublimity of this great city. Other remarkable sights in Multan include the fort standing majestically above the city and the 18th century Eidgah mosque. Multan flourished in Mughal era, becoming famous for its musicians and for the skill of its craftsmen who perfected a special style of blue painting and glazed pottery.
Multan City Tour
Tour Itinerary
we shall visit the mausoleum of Shah Rukne Alam – this colossal building is of great interest in architecture and design in basic Central Asian and Persian character belongs to famous Sufi Saint dates from 14th AD. Shah Ruknuddin Abul Fateh (Shah Rukne Alam) was from a great Sufi family of Suharwardiyya order. The tomb is situated on a vintage point and will be worth photography in afternoon sun light, also visit the local bazaar, we shall also visit the mausoleum of the Grand Father and spiritual mentor of Shah Rukne Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya. Afternoon we will visit Eidgah Mosque, covering an area of some 73m by 16m, was built in 1735 and was later used by the Sikhs as a military garrison. In turn, the British used it as a courthouse (it was here that Agnew was slain) but it was restored to its original use in 1891 and today has some of the finest blue tilework in Multan. one of the top specialties of Multan is pottery work and gives Multan a prominent name in this field. While in Multan a visit of this workshop will give you the real touch of Multan.
Multi-Days Tour from Multan
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Full day city tour Multan. Multan is in such a strategic point of trade ways. It’s an important industry city dating back 2000 years ago. we shall visit the mausoleum of Shah Rukne Alam – this colossal building is of great interest in architecture and design in basic Central Asian and Persian character belongs to famous Sufi Saint dates from 14th AD. Shah Ruknuddin Abul Fateh (Shah Rukne Alam) was from a great Sufi family of Suharwardiyya order. The tomb is situated on a vintage point and will be worth photography in afternoon sun light, also visit the local bazaar. Time permitting, we shall also visit the mausoleum of the Grand Father and spiritual mentor of Shah Rukne Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya. Overnight Multan.
Day 2: We will drive to Bahawalpur city (city of Nawabs. We will visit Uch Sharif – the site of Alexandria on the Indus. Uch is famous point where nearby five rivers join together and which was mentioned by the classical writers in 2nd BC – here Alexander the Great faced local. Indian uprising and captured the fortress – this was the point where he decided to return to his home land after the mutiny as his soldiers refused to go further. Well, we cannot see the 2nd century BC of anything except much later period tombs. We shall see the tomb of Bibi Jawindi, an Iranian princess and daughter of local ruler. The tomb is partially destroyed by the river but it is worth seeing with its deep blue tile work and Persian influence which we shall see among many monuments in the region. Later continue to Bahawalpur and on arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight Bahawalpur.
Day 3: Morning excursion to Fort Derawar in Cholistan Desert – to see one of the great forts which was part of many forts built in Rajasthan which is extension of now what is Cholistan desert in Pakistan. We shall visit the 9th century Derawar Fort with its extensive area which is inhabited by local folks adding great color to the place – we shall also visit the Moti or the Pearl Mosque in white marble is worth seeing. Overnight Bahawalpur.
Day 4: We will visit the Abbasi Mosque, Bahawalpur Museum and and Noor Mehal and the old city of Bahawalpur. Drive back to Multan.
Places of Interest:
Shah Rukn-e-Alam Tomb
Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam Tomb, Shah Rukn-e-Alam (1251-1335) commonly known by the title (pillar of the world) was among the eminent Sufi saints from Multan. The Shaikh was the son of Pir Sadar-Al-Din Arif born at Multan on Friday, the 9th of Ramadan 649 Hijri (26 November 1251). He was the grandson and successor of Shaikh Baha-Ud-Din Zakariya. Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam (Rukn-al-Din) died on Friday, the 7th of Jumada al-awwal 735 Hijri (3 January 1335). He was buried in the mausoleum of his grandfather, according to his own will. After sometime, however, his coffin was transferred to the present mausoleum.
The tomb was built between 1320 and 1324 CE in the pre-Mughal architectural style. The tomb is said to have built by Ghias-ud-Din Tughlak (r.1320-1325 AD during his governorship of Depalpur, between 1320 and 1324 CE and was given by his son, Muhammad bin Tughluq to the descendants of Shah Rukn-e-Alam for the latter’s burial in 1330. In the 1970s, the mausoleum was thoroughly repaired and renovated by the Auqaf Department. The entire glittering glazed interior is the result of new tiles and brickwork done by the Kashigars of Multan. The tomb is on the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baha-ud-Din Zakariya Tomb
Hazrat Baha-Uddin Zakria Tomb, also known as Bahawal Haque, Bahaudin Zakria (1182-1266) was born at Kot Aror near Multan and educated in Taran, Iran, Baghdad, Madina and Jerusalem. Having received his doctorate, he returned to Multan to preach, in particular spreading the teachings of the Suharwardiya Sufi. The Khanqah or University he founded in Multan became one of the great centers of Islamic teachings. He was a great friend of Baba Farid Shakarganj of Pakpattan. Baha-ud-Din Zakariya died in 1266 A.D.
The mausoleum is a square of (15.77 m), measured internally. Above this is an octagon, about half the height of the square, which is surmounted by a hemispherical dome. The mausoleum was almost completely ruined during the Siege of Multan in 1848 by the British, but was soon afterward restored by Muslims.
Shah Shams Tabrez Tomb
Shah Shams Tabrez Tomb, He arrived in Multan in 1165 AD and passed away in 1276 AD. was a Persian Muslim, who is credited as the spiritual instructor of Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, also known as Rumi and is referenced with great reverence in Rumi’s poetic collection, in particular “Diwan-i Shams-i Tabrizi” (The Works of Shams of Tabriz). Tradition holds that Shams taught Rumi in seclusion in Konya for a period of forty days, before fleeing for Damascus. The message is given by this holy saint is peace, humanity and respect with each other.
His tomb was built by his grandson after 54 years of his death and was reconstructed by one of his followers again. The tomb is about 360 inches in height and covered by a semi-circular green color dome. As the saint Shah Shams Tabrez was simple his tomb too and decorated with glassy tiles.
Eidgah Mosque
Eidgah Mosque, the large Eidgah Mosque, covering an area of some 73m by 16m, was built in 1735 and was later used by the Sikhs as a military garrison. In turn, the British used it as a courthouse (it was here that Agnew was slain) but it was restored to its original use in 1891 and today has some of the finest blue tile work in Multan.
Ghanta Ghar Chowk
Ghanta Ghar Chowk which literally means “Clock Tower. It is the largest intersection in Multan, near the clock tower of the city called Ghanta Ghar (Multan). The largest diameter of this circular intersection is 127 meters, while its minimum diameter is 94.5 meters. It has five lanes. This chowk is regarded as the Centre of Multan. It is the location for many city activities.
Hussain Agahi Bazaar
Hussain Agahi Bazaar, Multan is a complex and multi-layer city. At the base of the fort mound is the sprawling bazaar and old town, connected to the rest of the town by seven medieval gates. Its Hussain Agahi bazaar ranks amongst the most fascinating bazaars in the world. Just off the main street of the bazaar, are flanked by antique wooden merchant houses and echoing Multan’s former importance as a trade Center, where one feels as though transported suddenly back in time. This is truly a place where the two worlds meet.
Pottery Making Workshops
Pottery Making Workshops, one of the top specialties of Multan is pottery work and gives Multan a prominent name in this field. While in Multan a visit of this workshop will give you the real touch of Multan.
