Pakistan – a country in South Asia, the Arabian Sea. Capital – Islamabad; the second largest city – Lahore, and the largest and most populated – Karachi. According to the number of inhabitants is the 6th largest in the world, and the territory – 34th. Total population – more than 188 million people.
According embossed diversity of its territory is conventionally divided into two parts: mountainous and plain. The first runs along the Iranian plateau, the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains, and the second – on the Indian plain.
Climate mainly (sub) tropical but high humidity in the mountains. In high even in summer frosts are frequent. The highest peak – Mount Tirich Mir (7690 m).
Political system – federal republic of mixed type. The executive power belongs to the President of the country. Official language – Urdu, but are also used regional languages, such as Punjabi.
According to administrative division are four provinces, federal territory and two regions, one of which is free Kashmir is disputed with India. The predominant religion – Islam (97%). Currency – Pakistan Rupee.
Palace Noor Mahal
Palace Noor Mahal – elegant palace built in Pakistan in the 19th century for one of the rulers of the Punjab. The style of construction was used in Venice; chief architect was a Briton, Mr. Heenan. It’s an amazing building located in Bahawalpur.
Nur Mahal boasts a huge garden and park area, interior and royal museum collection of weapons. In the courtyard of the complex rises a beautiful mosque. At the end of the XX century palace has been completely restored and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
It is noteworthy that in 1947, after the events related to the Partition of India, Noor Mahal was looted, and all utensils sold in the country.
Over time, the exterior and interior were restored. Today, the palace walls still adorned with carpets and paintings. In the garden you can see the capacity for fountains. Especially for tourists there is a historical museum. During the revolution in 1999 within the walls of the palace headquarters of the Pakistani army.
Nur Mahal is deservedly considered the hallmark and symbol of this Punjab city. By the way, it was built for the fifth ruler of the principality bahalpurskogo.
The ruins of the city of Mohenjo-Daro
The ruins of the city of Mohenjo-Daro – the largest ancient city in the Indus valley, located on the territory of present-day Pakistan near Karachi. The town is perfectly preserved, but it is associated with a series of unsolved mysteries and secrets. The name Mohenjo-Daro was thought up by local people, that Urdu language means “hill of the dead.”
Geographically, they occupy about 260 hectares. The first excavations of Mohenjo-Daro do British archaeologists in the early XX century. Presumably, the city has existed since 2600 BC However, after 900 years, it was abandoned. Once Valley Mohenjodaro was a cultural center, but after the invasion of the Aryans city waned.
It is noteworthy that the first public toilets, baths have been found among the ruins. There is also an ancient pool, granary, complex irrigation systems was detected, religious buildings and a complete citadel. The tourist infrastructure in the area is not very developed, but the neighborhood is a port city of Karachi, where there are some nice beaches.
Presumably part of the city was flooded Indus. To get to Mohenjo-Daro in various ways. Firstly, just 1 km from the ruins of the airport is located. If desired, it can be to walk or use regular shuttles. Secondly, from Karachi trains towards Quetta. Along the way, you need to get off at the station Larkana.
Shalimar Gardens
Shalimar Gardens – the magnificent gardens, which Shah Jahan in the XVII century planted around the Lahore Fort. Located in the province of Punjab in Pakistan. In the span is a garden and park ensemble, consisting of artificial canals, fountains and scenic terraces. Style Persian gardens.
More than 410 fountains installed in the gardens of Shalimar. Complex white marble palaces, mosques, pavilions for rest. This wonderful design was created during the reign of the Mughals. In particular, the Lahore Fort blossomed with the rule of Shah Jahan, famous as the creator of the Taj Mahal. In one of the extremities of the gardens there is a pavilion made of black polished marble.
The total length of the sights -. 658х258 m Garden has the shape of an elongated rectangle and surrounded by high walls, decorated with intricate carving.
Badshahi Mosque
Badshahi Mosque – the second in size and significance of Pakistan mosque. Location – Lahore (Punjab). Outwardly resembles a cathedral mosque of Delhi. The construction of this shrine dates back to the Mughal rule.
The square courtyard of the mosque can hold up to 5,000 worshipers. Pavilion crowned three marble domes. The facade is made of red and pink sandstone. In the center of the courtyard flaunts marble tank for ablutions. The initiator of the construction of the mosque was the great-grandson of Akbar the Great – Aurangzeb. The people he called Alamgir I, as evidenced by the inscription carved on the entrance.
In addition to the Badshahi Mosque, located in the city and the seat of the great Mughal rulers – Lahore Fort. By the valuable Islamic relics, presented at the Museum of the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad are personal accessories such as a scarf, a turban, sandals. The museum occupies the upper tier of the main entrance.
The interior is divided into two elongated hall, decorated with marble inlays and intricate carvings. Another feature of the interior – perfect acoustics. In the 18th century the mosque for some time served as a defensive structure and a warehouse. Lahore direct buses from many Pakistani and Indian towns.
