“Urdu bazaar should be named as a cultural, educational heritage.” It is a legacy, considered by many.

As one of the oldest book markets in Pakistan and the whole sub-continent, the Urdu Bazaar is a hub of all of the literature and academic books in Karachi. Urdu Bazaar contains every type of service related to publishing and printing, with wholesalers selling paper and accessories.

Established in the 1950s, Urdu Bazaar Karachi is located at Saddar Town’s M.A. Jinnah Road, this may seem like a long time ago; it dates back to the Mughal era, making it one of the subcontinents oldest book markets. Urdu Bazaar started in the imperial city of Delhi during the Mughal Era. The word “Urdu” is a derivative of a Turkish word meaning “arms” whereas” “Bazaar” stands for “market.”

At first, in 1947, the Urdu bazaar started with a few stalls owned by immigrants. Later on, it was shifted to M.A Jinnah Road Saddar, where it standstill now.

The Urdu Bazaar is brimming with people with love for books, students, professors, and parents at any time of the day.

While talking to Dialogue Pakistan, different shop keepers at Urdu bazaar Karachi expressed their experience and knowledge about the prestigious place.

“Urdu bazaar came into being in 1953; it was an education need of this city, which our ancestors fulfilled as they developed this bazaar,” said Furqan Afzal, a veteran bookseller.

“Urdu bazaar was a small area at first, but in comparison, it is six times bigger now as it has spread all over the place. You will find books, stationery, and different accessories in every street of this area,” Afzal said.

“Urdu bazaar has created doctors, it has made CSS officers, and all have collected books from here,” Afzal added.

Urdu bazaar has kept its importance and extensive provision of book availability in every era, even since the advancement of technology where the internet is readily available.

“Urdu Bazaar is the only marketplace in Pakistan which has all the books to offer. Even if there is a book not available, the shopkeeper will give you a pdf, photocopy or order it for you. If you don’t find the book anywhere in the world, you will find it here in Karachi Urdu Bazaar,” said Usman Ghani Tahir, bookseller.

“Urdu bazaar should be named as a cultural, educational heritage,” Usman Ghani concluded.

Urdu bazaar has helped create the most prominent personalities in Pakistan, and its legacy incessantly lives on. Urdu Bazaar is known as the go-to place for any kind of literature-related shopping. It is not just a marketplace; it is a tradition that will continue for many generations to come.