Multan is one of the oldest cities in Pakistan. It is in the southern part of Punjab province and has a lot of history and culture. Multan is called the “City of Saints” because there are so many shrines and tombs of well-known Sufi saints there. Since ancient times, the city has also been a hub for trade and business.
Multan’s history
The history of the city of Multan is long and interesting. It is one of the oldest cities on the subcontinent. Alexander the Great took it over around 326 BC, and the Chinese Buddhist scholar Hsuan-tsang went there in 641 AD.
It was taken over by the Arabs in the 8th century, and they kept control of it until the Muslim Turk Mahmud of Ghazna took it over in 1005 and Timur took it over in 1398. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was peaceful because Mughal emperors were in charge.
Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikhs, took over the city in 1818, and Britain kept it until 1947, when Pakistan got its independence. One landmark is an old fort with the tombs of two Muslim saints from the 14th century.
The city has a long history and is known as a major trading centre in South Punjab. It also has three universities, a number of colleges, and tertiary hospitals. It is the business capital of Punjab and home to more than 1.8 million people.
Rukn-e-Alam
Shah Rukn-e-Alam, also known as “Pillar of the World,” was born in 1251 and died in 1335. He was a well-known Sufi Saint in Multan city. He was a part of the Suhrawardiyya order and is known as one of Pakistan’s most famous Sufi saints.
The tomb is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Multan because it is a work of art. It is the oldest example of Tughluq architecture and is thought to be one of the most impressive shrines in the Indian subcontinent.
During the urs festival, which is held every year to remember the anniversary of the deaths of famous Sufi saints, more than 100,000 people from all over the country visit the tomb. Many people from all over the world also come to see this old building because of how beautiful it is and how important it is historically.
Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq built the tomb between 1320 and 1324. People say he was Turkic and came from a humble background. He worked his way up as a soldier by fighting the Mongols at a time when Multan was only formally part of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mongols kept coming in.
Bibi Pak Daman
The mosque in Multan City is called Bibi Pak Daman. It is also one of Pakistan’s oldest mosques.
People say that after what happened in Karbala, five women came here and convinced the Hindus to become Muslims. Ruqayyah bint e Ali, Bibi Taj, Bibi Noor, Bibi Hoor, and Bibi Gauhar were the names of these women.
The shrine of these religious women is a square mausoleum with marble and black slate on the inside. It has colourful floral, mosaic, and glazed tile work on the outside.
Every day, both Shia and Sunni believers come to this place to pray at the graves of these holy women. A twisty waan tree stands in the middle of the courtyard. Its twisted branches provide shelter for a lot of people. Some of these people eat its leaves, and others tie prayer threads to its old branches in the hopes that their wishes will come true.
The shops of Multan
The city of Multan is a lively place with many bazaars. Its bazaars are great places to learn about Multan’s culture and traditions and to buy souvenirs and other things.
The city is also known for its shrines to saints, which you should definitely check out when you’re there. These include the graves of Sufi scholars like Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya and many others.
There are also a number of mosques and other old buildings in the city. The Ali Muhammad Mosque and the Phulhattan Mosque are two of these.
During the Middle Ages, Multan grew into an important religious and cultural centre. It has the tombs of many Sufi saints and beautiful Islamic architecture, among other things. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit because it has a unique mix of old landmarks and new attractions. This means that anyone who goes to Pakistan must go there. During your trip, you can also eat tasty food and visit the tombs of important people from the Mughal era. Askari rent a car provides rent a car service within multan to visit these tourisit destinations.
Multan is also known for its tasty food, which is a mix of Punjabi and Sindhi dishes. “Siri Paye,” a traditional breakfast dish made from cow or goat feet, is the most well-known dish in the city. Karahi, Biryani, and Samosas are also very popular dishes.
In the end, Multan is a city that has a big part in the cultural and historical history of Pakistan. Its landmarks, crafts, and food all work together to give visitors a unique experience. If you’re planning a trip to Pakistan, make sure Multan is on your list of places to visit so you can see its beauty and charm.