Agony of Rohtas Fort, fort screaming for help

On my visit to Rohtas fort which is located near jehlum and roughly 2 hours drive from Islamabad via GT road, i was shocked and surprised when i reached there.

We were welcomed by government officials right at the entrance of fort, there was government office with beautiful garden in front of it and security too. 1st of all photography was banned as usual for people who look serious (no idea why) anyways we assured them we are not Journalists or Media guys just amateurs and tourists, who want to record their travels, to showoff . And we were allowed to take photos of Fort, heck there were some foreigners who had no issues taking cameras inside the fort, why on earth all restrictions are for Pakistanis in Pakistan.

When we entered the main compound it was shocking surprise, there was no maintainance of Sher Shah Suri's creation (toilets were in good condition), most of the parts of fort are dead and resting in peace. It seems like our Archeology department has done nothing to protect our heritage. The fort was built by Sher Shah Suri for his Army, it was master piece of Muslim Architecture, but now it is grave yard of Muslim ignorance, standing on its own and waiting for help.

Here is link to gallery of pictures from the Rohtas fort.

Surprisingly Multinational companies have used this fort in their advertisements but they are doing nothing to protect these wonderful monuments, i cannot criticize government/leaders as i have no hopes from them. No clue about why these monuments are ignored and not converted into topnotch tourist attractions.

Again sorry guys for the huge watermark, i had to do it after facing issues of picture thefts ;-( 

I know it hurts but stolen photo and used for commercial purpose hurts more !

Call of Prayers

One of my passion is to document images depicting religion. Religions really add beauty to the world. Talk about any religion, followers have beautiful religious monuments. Pakistan is Muslim country with beautiful Mughal architecture all around. Beauty and immense size of mosques simply shows trend of people for there religion.

Here is my recent picture shot early in the morning at marvel of Mughal period "Badshahi Mosque" or King's mosque. It is now 5th largest mosque in the world. Built with red rock known for it's magical glow.

Click on image to check out more photos.

Divine Inspiration

My work is part of Prestigious book and exhibition held in Malaysia. It was organized by Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

Divine Inspiration - Seven Principles of Islamic Architecture explores the relationship between Muslims and their beliefs, manifested in the built environment. Just as Islam embodies a way of life and serves as a cohesive force amongst ethnically and culturally diverse peoples, it also contains a conspicuous aesthetic dimension.

Chiniot Mosque the marvel of Islamic Architecture

If you ever got chance to visit Faisalabad do visit Chiniot that is known for it's wooden furniture. Apart from wooden furniture city's 400 years old "Shahi Mosque". It is not large as other ancient mosques in Pakistan but carvings and architecture are splendid.

To approach Chiniot catch "Sargodah Road" from faisalabad and traveling around 35 km takes you to chiniot and ask anyone about the Shahi mosque. Apart from Shahi mosque there is beautiful Omar Hayat Palace (that will be my next blog entery).

For photographers

No restriction for taking picture. Get ready to face lots of dust. And do have some bananas of chiniot full of taste.

And here are my takes of the mosque. Click here for full gallery and large size of images

ALL images © Awais Yaqub

World is difficult way to God

 

 

A curvy road leadin to Islamabad in background you can see

Shah Faisal Mosque the world's largest mosque