Anarkali Bazaar

Lahore, Pakistan

Anarkali bazaar is an important bazār (market) in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest surviving markets in South Asia, dating back at least 200 years. It is located on the Mall at 31°34'0N 74°18'58E with an altitude of 210 metres (692 feet) and is also very near to gate of Mayo Hospital, Lahore The market derives its name from a nearby mausoleum thought to be that of a courtesan girl named Anārkalī, 'chased out of town' by order of the Mughal Emperor Akbar for having a love affair with his son, Prince Salīm, who would later become Emperor Jahāngīr. Anarkali Bazar is the oldest bazaar of Lahore, Pakistan. It sells textiles, garments, jewellery, and many other items. Anarkali Bazar is divided into two portions, the 'Old Anarkali Bazaar' and the 'New Anarkali Bazaar'. The Old Anarkali Bazaar is noted for its traditional food items while the New Anarakli Bazaar is noted for its traditional handicraft and embroidery clothes. The mausoleum of Sultan Qutb ud-Din Aibak of Mamluk Sultanate is also located at Anarkali Bazaar. In the early 1970s, the mausoleum was renovated at the orders of the then Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.