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U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker Inaugurates Restored Craft Bazaar At Wazir Khan Mosque
07/06/2006Lahore - U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker visited the historic Wazir Khan Mosque today and inaugurated the craft bazaar adjoining the mosque, which has been restored thanks to a grant from the U.S. the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Director General Punjab Archeology Department Orya Maqbool Jan and U.S. Consulate Principal Officer Brian Heath were also present.
Unveiling a signboard outlining the history of the mosque, Ambassador Crocker said, "The city of Lahore – with its vibrant culture and magnificent architecture – is justified in its pride as the cultural capital of the country. I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Badshahi Mosque during my last visit to the city, and I’m even more pleased to be here today. The U.S. Embassy is honored to be able to contribute to the preservation and restoration of this culturally significant and historically important complex. Masjid Wazir Khan is a fine example of a collaborative effort to preserve what is truly a common heritage for the future generations."
In 2003, the U.S. Embassy extended a grant of $18,000 for the restoration of the northern section of the craft bazaar. This was followed with an additional grant of $31,000 in 2004 for the restoration of the southern side of the arcade. The project was completed on June 30, 2006. The Punjab Archeology Department executed the restoration, employing skilled craftsmen to ensure that the conserved portion would be at par with the original in its beauty and detail.
DG Archeology Maqbool accompanied Ambassador Crocker on a tour of the mosque, where the Ambassador met the artisans involved in the conservation as well as craftsmen who now occupy the restored bazaar. Originally meant to be used by calligraphers and bookbinders, the bazaar will once again serve as a showcase of traditional arts and crafts after years of disuse and neglect.
Established by the U.S. Congress in 2001, the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation aims to assist countries around the world in preserving manuscripts, museum collections, ancient and historic sites as well as traditional forms of expression. Since its inception, the program has awarded 292 grants in 106 countries, including Pakistan.
Masjid Wazir Khan is one of the last remaining architectural complexes that represent crafts used by the Moguls for construction and embellishment of their buildings. The mosque, located in Lahore’s Walled City, is named after the then Governor of Lahore, Nawab Wazir Khan, who supervised its construction.