Lahore went through a glorious past. If you’re walking around the narrow lanes of Lahore’s’ Walled City’ or’ Androon Shehr‘ it’s not hard to imagine the glorious splendor of a long gone age. As history indicates, a thick wall surrounded the city of Lahore, and formidable gates during the Mughal period. During the day, the gates would remain open, and at night close — only constructed to keep attacking forces out.
Some of these imposing buildings still stand today, while others have been destroyed and crumpled to dust. Let’s take a brief glance at these simpler and glorious times.
1. Dehli Gate
One of Lahore’s most famous gates, was constructed by the Mughal emperor, Akbar The Great. It has been renovated and stands tall in all its former glory. Within the gate there are many historic buildings, markets, and streets, most famous of which include the Wazir Khan Mosque and Shahi Hamam.
2. Lahori Gate
The gate is named after the city and one of the most important gates in Lahore. Many people come to visit the place until today to enjoy the scrumptious’ desi’ cuisine offered in it. Haji Sahib Nahari walay, Sheikh Chathara and Sweets, Mehar Bashir Halwae and Hafiz Channaare some of the famous food spots of the location. Bazaar Anarkali is also adjacent to Lahori Gate.
3. Bhatti Gate
This gate was named after an ancient Rajput tribe, Bhattis, who inhabited in this area in the past. Bhatti gate’s spicy Lahori food is the speciality and is famous around the country. Another notable thing to mention about this gate is Pakistan’s great leader, scholar and poet Allam Iqbal used to live here during his graduation.
4. Mochi Gate
The name of the gate for disorted from “moti” pearl, means the gate’s actual name was Moti Gate. It was named after a guard, Moti Ram, who guarded the gate througout his life during Akbar’s reign. During the colonial times, the gate was demolished. This area, however, is famous for its dry fruits market, fireworks and for kite shops.
5. Khizri or Sheranwala Gate
The gate was originally named after Hazrat Khwaja Khizr Elias, a great saint who had a special association with running waters. In the past, Ravi, one of Punjab’s 5 rivers, used to flow near the Walled city of Lahore.
It was then renamed as Shranwala gate as Maharaja Ranjit Singh, came to power. He used to kept two caged lions near the gate for the city’s protection. Even today, the place truly depicts the traditional way of living Lahori life.
6. Mori Gate
As the name mori means (small hole) , it was the smallest of all the gateways. When all the other gates remained closed at night, this one gave access to the city in the evenings.
7. Shahalami Gate
This is known as the most busiest gates in the old city, till today. The gate’s bazaars, and shops remain jam-packed through out the day. It has one of the biggest wholesale market on the city. People can get from jewelry to garments, crockery to grocery, ceramics vessels to that of irons, wedding accessories to anything one could imagine.
8. Roshnai Gate
Just like its name, the gate shines its original glory. Roshnai gate is located in between Shahi Qila (Lahore Fort) and Badshahi Mosque. It provided the main entrance from fort to city, and for many centuries, it lit up at nights.
9. Akbari Gate
The gate was named after Jalal-Ud-Din Akbar, the gate crumpled and decayed. No trace of the gate remains but Akbari Mandi, is the famous whole sale and retail market of Lahore is still near the lost gate.
10. Kashmiri Gate
As the gate faces towards Kashmir’s direction, thus, it is named as Kashmiri gate. The condition of the current is worse, but inside there is a beautiful market known as ‘Kashmiri Bazaar’ where most famously children’s shoes are sold with other different products.
11. Yakki Gate
Named after the martyr saint, Pir Zaki – history states that the Saint fought against his enemies but got badly defeated. His grave remains there.
12. Masti Gate
The gate is located behind the Lahore Fort and its name is ditorted from its original form. Its original name was “Masjidi” pretaining to ‘Mosque’. The gate is not as famous as others like Bhati or Lahori, but the area serves quality street food.
