VIRTUAL: Prague Heritages

Abstract

The historic structures of Karachi have a wealth of numerous tales to share. They share tales of camaraderie and unity, a way of life and usefulness, and hopes and aspirations. But regrettably, neglect and avarice are what the ancient structures in Karachi today. It is crucial to preserve historic buildings and objects so that we can appreciate the past and move forward with a better understanding of our past. Due to negligence, illegitimate land distribution, and antiquated regulations, Karachi is rapidly losing its historic landmarks and buildings. It is important that we, as citizens, start deep conversations about heritage preservation and guarding historic structures and locations. Numerous historic structures need immediate attention but are deteriorating because of carelessness on the part of the owners and a lack of oversight and maintenance from the government. The antiquities department gives building owners instructions to “keep the front of cultural buildings” following the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act of 1994, but it makes no mention of the inside. As a result, the interior characteristics of historic buildings are neglected, leaving an unfillable gap. Among these are wind shafts, light wells, Diya-daans, Chiraagh-gahs, colorful ceramic tiles, and a variety of other regional architectural elements that should be preserved by the concerned authorities to maintain Karachi’s historic heritage. This research will first explore and document the interior architectural elements of heritage buildings in Karachi and outline various possibilities for their preservation.