Open AccessSPIRIT OF THE PLACE: EVOLUTIONAND TRANSFORMATION OF ISTANBUL CHOWK, LAHORE
Author(s) -
Faisal Sajjad,
Neelum Naz,
Ghulam Abbas Anjum
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of research in architecture and planning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2519-5050
pISSN - 1728-7715
DOI - 10.53700/jrap1812015_4
Subject(s) - colonialism , exhibition , partition (number theory) , history , estate , geography , ancient history , sociology , art history , archaeology , law , political science , mathematics , combinatorics
The main focus of this research is the study of Istanbul Chowk, Lahore from the perspective of its historical evolution during the British Colonial period and post partition transformation. This area was known as 'Exhibition Road' during the British times and Patras Bukhari Chowk after partition, named after the famous writer and the former principal of Government College of Lahore. The name 'Istanbul Chowk' was given later, named after the city of Istanbul in Turkey. This is the first chowk or public space on the west end of the Mall Road, institutional in character and an example of 19th century colonial planning. The Mall Road is named after the central street of London, which leads from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. Ceremonial royal processions pass down the Mall. This road was planned in 1851 by Col. Napier to connect the city with the new cantonment that was 7 miles to the east. The theoretical aspect of 'Colonial spatial imagination' is discussed in connection with the design of this unified urban space in its form and character. The intangible aspects of urban culture contributing towards the construction of 'spirit of place' over a period of time extending into the post partition era have also been explored. This research paper also studies the post partition gradual transformation of this place and identifies the spatial changes and loss of urban heritage which played an important role in forming the identity and spirit of this place. Keywords: Place making, colonial spatial imagination, genius loci, palimpsest, Lahore