Nila Gumbad (which means ‘blue dome’) is one of Lahore’s lesser known commercial pockets and is located between Mayo Hospital and New Anarkali Road. It was named fer the blue-domed mausoleum of the mystic Sheikh Abdul Razzaq, believed to have travelled to Lahore form Mecca in the reign of Mughal Emperor Humayun.
Age-old bazzars and modern malls…. Although the mausoleum is one of the area’s main attractions, the bazzars which are located there have plenty to offer. If you are on the lookout for car accessories, spare parts or bicycles- at a bargain – Nila Gumbad Bazaar is your go-to place. Several shopping malls – including Lasani Creations and Riazuddin Shopping Center – are recent additions, where you will find countless stores dealing in clothing and accessories. Although foodie options are limited to lacha parathas, doodh patti and Chana Chaat at dhabas, you can always head to the nearby food streets in Gawalmandi and Old Anarkali.
In His Majesty’s memory…. A stone’s throw from the mausoleum is King Edward Medical University – named after King Edward VII, Emperors of India – established in 1860. Borrowing heavily from baroque British-Islamic architecture, the campus buildings have wide corridors, spiralling wooden stircases and Tudor arches and are interspersed with cobbled pathways and gardens aflame with flowers.
The real estate take…. Commercial property options are primarily restricted to small standalone shops; a handful of office and retail spaces in multi-storey buildings have been constructed recently due to increasing demand. Residential property options are limited to single-storey houses. Property prices and rentals have increased by 30% and 40% respectively in the last three years.
In a nutshell …. Nila Gumbad may be a little off the beaten track as as far as Lahore’s commercial areas are concerned, but its meandering alleys, historic landmarks and bustling bazzars make it well worth a visit.
By Moneeza Burney