Huzaima Bukhari
“Architecture is a science arising out of many other sciences, and adorned with much and varied learning; by the help of which a judgment is formed of those works which are the result of other arts.” —Vitruvius, Roman author, architect, civil engineer and military engineer in 1st century BC
During the twentieth century there were major man-induced catastrophes including the First World War (1919-1914), the Second World War (1939-1945) that also witnessed the horrific atomic bombs over Japan’s cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; many proxy wars like the Vietnam War (1955-1975), Korean War (1950-1953), armed conflicts in the Middle-East and South Asia. It would be an under-statement to say that these events caused tremendous devastation in terms which cannot be perceived by the human mind. One category among the innumerable that bore the major brunt is architecture—victim of wars and vandalism based on religious or ethnic prejudices. Rock etches and buildings which took decades to design and construct and which reflected the skill, aesthetics and capabilities of the days of yore were destroyed or desecrated in a matter of days or even in minutes. The magnificent and awe-inspiring citadels, government offices, palaces, cathedrals, other places of worship, monuments, important landmarks created and carved out by human hands, were mercilessly damaged.
Despite these devastations, hats off to the many European countries that rebuilt these artifacts and within a matter of a few years restored their cities to the pre-war era. There are innumerable buildings having intricate patterns, carvings, statues, gargoyles and designs typical of the gothic age that had crumbled down after indiscriminate bombings but meticulously reconstructed from available pictures. Looking at them today no one can say these had ever suffered from wars. Those that survived destruction were totally renovated and modernized from inside while their outer façade preserved so anyone entering them is immediately frisked into modern day facilities as elevators, central heating and cooling, cubicles, tiled, wooden or carpeted floorings. Great care is taken during the process of reconstruction with scaffoldings artistically installed and the frontage cautiously covered to check any harm on account of work in progress. Upholding their priceless inheritance is the legatees’ conviction and today, Europe as well as some Asian countries that have had similar experiences have much to boast about. They have successfully reconstructed their cities and restored their lost character. London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Julich, Warsaw, Hiroshima are just a few cities out of hundreds which suffered massive architectural destruction but today bear hardly any remnants of past horrors,
The most amazing thing about these relics is that behind every brick, every stone, every statue, every embellishment is a story interwoven with other stories. A story meant only for the gazing eyes of the onlooker. A story that contains past events, past thinking, past feelings and most notably, men and women of the past that has survived through the vicious passage of time. In a split second one is transported from the present to the years beyond. Such is the wondrous glory of these structures which never fail to mesmerize one’s senses.
Pakistan is a country that is filled with stupendous remnants of its history. From the prehistoric era, spanning over many socio-cultural and religious civilizations down to the colonial period. However, barring a few sites, nothing concrete has ever been done to exploit these places in a way that can draw the attention of the adventure starved traveler. The few available attractions lack basic facilities such as immaculate rest rooms, desirable means of transport to and fro and availability of professionally trained guides. Even though there are government departments for care and maintenance but the pathetic state of affairs existing there speaks volumes about the level of inefficiency and callousness. Then to make matters worse, rather than preserving some of the colonial facades that gave character to the cities, they are pulled down to erect ugly concrete structures with very poor finishing. Those that remain intact appear to be crying over the apathy of the public that never fails to deface them with pens and knives, and the government’s inability towards their proper upkeep.
Those who are proud of their history and culture do everything in their power to protect their architectural heritage. As a matter of respect for their ancestors and in appreciation of their achievements but more so to preserve the artistic galore that defined these majestic buildings or even ruins. Countries exploit these landmarks to attract tourism otherwise why would people take pains and spend money to go visit different cities and places. Archeological sites, remnants of the past, grand mosques, palaces, museums, art galleries, gardens are some of the most sought-after venues which are usually over-crowded especially during the holiday season.
To put it in more materialistic terms one can say that these countries are encashing their ancestors’ workmanship. They are selling the legacies left behind by their forefathers by creating interesting and sometimes expensive tours for visitors thus increasing much needed revenue for their countries. As a tourist, I myself have on various occasions felt that sometimes very insignificant things are blown out of proportions to be sold at higher rates than they actually merit. Nevertheless, hats off to the intelligent people who have the capabilities of understanding, appreciating, protecting and making the best out of their architectural heritage.
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The writer, lawyer and author, is an Adjunct Faculty at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).