In This Post:
History
Architecture
Facts
Opening Timings
Location
Mazar-e-Quaid is, hands down, one of the most important historical landmarks in the City of Lights. Surrounded by lush green lawns and well-carpeted tracks, the tomb is, in fact, one of the most iconic places in the country.
Jinnah Mausoleum, Mazar-e-Quaid, or the National Mausoleum, are the titles that are used interchangeably for the final resting place of the Founder of Pakistan – Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most amazing features of this site, along with taking a look at its history, location, and timings.
Let’s begin!
History of Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum
Mazar-e-Quaid, as mentioned above, is the final resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. After the death of the founder of Pakistan, the government decided to build his mausoleum at the highest point in Karachi.
In 1957, the government decided to conduct a worldwide competition for the designs of the tomb. Although a few submissions were shortlisted, Fatima Ali Jinnah, the sister of Quaid-e-Azam, decided to contact an Indian architect Yahya Merchant. The mausoleum was officially inaugurated in 1971.
Jinnah Mausoleum is covered in white marble and is considered among the most famous landmarks of Pakistan. Photos of this place are often used to represent Karachi in the press and mass media. In a way, Mazar-e-Quaid is to Karachi what Minar-e-Pakistan is to Lahore – arguably the most widely-recognized symbol of the city.
The Architecture of Mazar-e-Quaid
As you can see in the image above, it is covered in white marble, which covers both the interior and exterior of the structure. The mausoleum comprises a dome made from stucco and copper latticework can be seen at the four-pointed arch entrances.
The National Mausoleum is surrounded by a large garden and beautiful walking tracks that were recently renovated. The roads surrounding the park and mausoleum have also been repaired to facilitate tourists visiting the area. In 2016, a non-governmental organisation, Shehri – Citizens for a Better Environment, planted 100 sapling at Mazar-e-Quaid as part of its “Million Trees Campaign.”
The materials used during the construction were all manufactured in Pakistan.
Interesting Facts About Mazar-e-Quaid
Here are some interesting facts about Mazar-e-Quaid:
- The construction started in 1960; it was inaugurated in 1971.
- Fatima Jinnah, the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first prime minister, are also buried at this site.
- The mausoleum spans 61 acres.
- Wood for the construction of the burial chamber was provided by the government of Azad Kashmir
- The white marbled-tomb was designed by Indian architect Yahya Merchant.
- It is visited by approximately 10,000 people every day.
Opening Timings of Mazar-e-Quaid
If you are planning a visit to Mazar-e-Quaid, take note of the timings mentioned below:
Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday to Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Note: Timings of Mazar-e-Quaid may vary on special occasions like Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Location of Mazar-e-Quaid
The National Mausoleum is located on M.A. Jinnah and in close proximity to The Dawood Foundation (TDF) Ghar and Cosmopolitan Society. It falls under the jurisdiction of Jamshed Town which is among the top neighbourhoods of the metropolitan city. Some nearby localities are Britto Road, Tipu Sultan Road, Saddar Town, and Shaheed-e-Millat Road, and Soldier Bazaar.
Mazar-e-Quaid Address: Numaish Chowrangi, M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi.
How to Get to Mazar-e-Quaid?
The area near Mazar-e-Quaid is dotted with bus stops and public transport. Britto Road, Numaish Chowrangi, Society Office bus stops are situated at walking distances. Meanwhile, you can find cabs, qingqi rickshaws, and auto-rickshaws easily near the boundaries of the tomb.
Some residents and visitors also prefer taking app-based ride hailing services that can pick them from their doorstep and drop at the gate of Mazar-e-Quaid. All these options are convenient and you can easily go for the option that suits you.
Restaurants near Mazar-e-Quaid
The mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam is only a few kilometres away from the food street in Sindhi Muslim Society. You can find a number of eateries serving desi and continental cuisine. To make the most of your trip, you can visit any of these popular restaurants near Mazar-e-Quaid:
- Bam-Bou
- Ginsoy
- Del Frio
- Koffie Chalet
- Sizzlers Café & Grill
- Royal Ice & Spice
- Hyder’s
- Foods Inn
- The Kababist
- Aj-Haaj Bundoo Khan
- Nando’s
We hope our overview of Mazar-e-Quaid was helpful for you. For all your queries and feedback, write to us at blog@zameen.com. We genuinely hope that the facts and information in this blog will help you observe the place better.
Also, read our post on the interesting facts about the Pakistani flag and national anthem.
Meanwhile, take a virtual tour of different tourist attractions near Karachi. For instance, you can read about the nearest islands or historical landmarks in Thatta. If you like adventures, you can read our guide on Kirthar National Park. For history buffs, we have detailed guides on the archaeological sites of Bhanbore and Ranikot Fort as well.
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