Surrounded by the hubbubs of Old Town including Shama, Chaubarji and Jail Road, Mozang Chungi marks the centre of Lahore. Blending history and modernity together, this place once served as an entrance point to Old Lahore.
Derived from the Turkish word “Mozang,” meaning graveyard, this area is home to one of the city’s largest graveyards, hinting at its deep-rooted past. The name “Chungi” stems from its historical role as a toll collection spot, adding to its significance.
In today’s blog, Graana.com looks into this place, exploring its significance within the present-day landscape of the city of gardens.
Location and Accessibility
Located right in the middle of Lahore, Mozang Chungi is accessible from Queen’s Road and Jail Road.
Transport Accessibility
Having served as a gate-way to Old Lahore, Mozang has well-connected network roads and stops laid out. This makes traversing to and fro this area much more convenient. In the following section, we’ll dig into various ways one can get to Mozang Chungi
Punjab Metro Bus Station
Mozang Chungi has two major metro bus stations. The Qartaba Chowk station on Queen’s Road and the Janazgah Station (or Mozang Station) on Lytton Road are crucial for local travel in Lahore.
The Qartaba Station is adjacent to the Shama Station and connects to Janazgah station, the last stop before the metro divides into two routes, one leading to MAO College Station and the other to Anarkali Station.
Address(s): Janazgah East, Lytton Road, Mozang Chungi, Lahore, Punjab 54000
Helpline: Lahore Metrobus System (042) 111-222-627
Local and Intercity Transport Sources
- Mozang Abba bus Stop (offering intercity travel)
Mozang Bus Stop
Mozang Chungi Bus Stop - Qartaba Chowk
Janazgah Metro Bus - Charing Cross
Jain Mandir Bus stop - Rewaz Garden Stop
- Chauburji Bus Stop
Famous Places Within Mozang
Here are some of the famous places in Mozang Area
Miani Sahib Qabristan
Miani Sahib Graveyard is a significant historical landmark in Lahore, Pakistan, known for its vast size and historical importance.
Spanning approximately 1,206 Kanal (149 acres) in the central area of Lahore, Miani Sahib Kabaristan dates back to the Mughal era, making it one of the region’s oldest graveyards. Managed by the Miani Sahib Graveyard Committee (MSGC), established on 31 May 1962, it has a capacity of around 300,000 graves. Despite its size, many graves in the cemetery remain unvisited, as gravediggers regularly bury the bodies of the newly deceased in these plots.
-Location: G8X5+R72, Bahawalpur Rd, Islamia Park, Lahore, Punjab 54000
-Notable Burials: Sadaat Hassan Manto, Wasif Ali Wasif
– Hours: Open 24/7
Peeli Haveli
Peeli Haveli is a historic residence in Mozang Chungi, Lahore, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Belonging to the Qureshi Family for four generations, Peeli Haveli is located on Old Lytton Road, Mozang Chungi. Established in 1914, this two-storeyed, large-bricked building is a fine specimen of Sikh architecture in Lahore. The windows are tinted in colours that complement its yellow exterior, and the arched doors add to its beauty.
The haveli is built in the style of Sikh architecture, with a central courtyard (sehan) surrounded by more than 20 rooms and balconies. The intricate design and layout reflect the grandeur of its era, offering a glimpse into the architectural heritage of Lahore.
Clinics and Healthcare facilities
- Majeed Ilahi Clinic (opposite to Lytton road Lahore, Dr. Nazir Wali street)
- Government Mozang Teaching Hospital Lahore
- Family Hospital, Lahore
- Badar Medical Complex
- Surayya Azeem Hospital
- Bismillah Hospital Mozang
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Bashir Memorial Eye Trust
Schools and Educational Institutes
- Government Rafa-e-Aam Girls High School
- Government Community High School Mozang
- The Educators Mozang Campus
- Dar-e-Arqam School
- Sacred Heart Cathedral High School for Boys
- Sacred Heart Cathedral Girls High School
- St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School
Bazaars and Markets of Mozang
Mozang is home to several bazaars that evoke the spirit of old Lahore, embodying the essence of a Mughal city. Let’s explore these colourful markets.
Main Bazar Mozang
Although smaller compared to Lahore’s larger markets like Shah Alami or Rang Mahal Bazaar, is a humble market offering a variety of goods and services. This market is a one-stop destination where you can find everything you need, from shoes and clothes to food and even electronic appliances.
The market also features a mosque where people can offer their prayers. The shops in this area have been around for generations, witnessing the passage of time as new generations take over. Main Bazar Mozang exudes a vibrant and bustling atmosphere similar to Anarkali Bazar.
Here, you can find a variety of shops, including:
- Tailors
- Utensil vendors
- Food stalls
- Clothing shops
- Shoe stores
- Jewellery outlets
- Home appliance stores
- Cosmetics shops
- Parlours
- Bakeries
- Sweet shops
- Meat markets
- Tie and dye shops.
There are also small bookstores catering to the educational needs of the locals. One such anecdote is shared by Mohammad Javaid, the owner of Modern Stationary Shop in Mozang Bazaar. He started this business with his father back in 1977 when he was just a young schoolboy.
The shop was renowned for offering a wide range of school books and bookbinding services. Javaid reflects on the current state of education, noting that while education is accessible to most, only a few truly benefit from learning. He observes that people nowadays are always in a hurry, as indicated by customers beeping their horns outside the store and asking for books required only for their coursework.
The people in this area still value and encourage handicrafts and handmade goods over machine-made items. They uphold traditions of creating delicate items, contributing to the area’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Main Bazar Mozang is also known for its diverse food scene. Local favourites include Gaddafi (Gaddafi Sweets) Samosa, seafood restaurants, and the fish market known as Machli Wala Chowk. Hanif Siripaye is another popular food spot in the area.
Other bazaars and markets in Mozang Chungi
- Abid Market
- Dulha Market
- Kinari Bazar
Religious Landmarks
- Masjid within Main Mazang Chungi Bazaar
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral
- Moti Masjid
- Janazgah Masjid Lahore
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
- Jamia Mosque Al-Quresh
Famous Food Stops
Exploring different food spots is one of the best things to do in Lahore. Mozang, like many other places, is home to several iconic food stops. But for today, we have combed through some of the underrated yet famous spots for you to try.
Mashallah Mozang Paratha
Nothing embodies Lahore more than an overcrowded dhaba-asque restaurant that’s been serving customers for decades. Mashallah Mozang Paratha is a family-owned eatery that offers chai, Lassi, and a billion kinds of Parathas. The place is perfect to satisfy your desi food cravings after a long day.
During Ramzan, the restaurant is busy with customers, especially during Sehris. Their wide range of Parathas includes Aloo Paratha, Alu Anda Paratha (coated with egg), Keema Paratha, and Methi Paratha, creating a palette of diverse tastes.
Fried Rohu Fish- Bashir Dar-ul-Mahi
Bashir Dar-ul-Mahi is renowned for its specialty, Fried Rohu Fish, served with a side of Alu Bukhara chutney. This dish is a favourite among seafood lovers for its crispy texture and unique flavour combination. If you’re in Lahore and craving delicious fried fish, Bashir Dar-ul-Mahi is a must-visit.
Mujahid Taj Din Nan Bakers
Location: Ferozepur Road, Mozang Bazaar, Lahore
One thing about Pakistanis is that we can’t resist stuffing more food onto our bread (regardless of its type). Mujahid Taj Din is a renowned bakery in Mozang Bazar that specialises in Keema-filled Naans, a traditional delicacy. An all-time favourite among locals, this bakery uses authentic recipes that draw food enthusiasts from all over Lahore.
Jattay ki Daal
Jattay ki Daal is a dhaba-asque eatery that serves daal in Mozang Ada. Known for its unique taste and humble setting the shop attracts customers from all over Lahore. For the past 65 years, the family-owned business has stayed committed to elite quality and taste.
Famous Places Around Mozang Chungi
Lahore has gained fame for its plethora of historical sites clustered closely together on the map. In this section, we’ll delve into famous places located in close proximity to Mozang.
Chauburji (Four Minarets)
Raised in 1646, during the reign of Shah Jahan, Chauburji is a prominent Mughal-era monument in Lahore. The name Cahuburji (meaning four towers) stems from the building’s structure. Moreover, a lush garden surrounds this place, adding to Lahore’s reputation as the “city of gardens”
Location: Multan Road, Lahore
Constructed: 1646
Jail Road
Jail Road stands as an infrastructural marvel, ensuring seamless connectivity and traffic flow in Lahore. The road encompasses an area of 216 Kanal, entailing over 100 operational commercial buildings. Jail Road’s well-connected road network provides easy access to essential facilities including:
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Education
All in all, it enhances the convenience of daily life for residents.
Connecting Route: Qurtaba Chowk to Lahore Cantonment
Constructed: September 2011
Anarkali Bazar
A bazaar, a business centre, and a neighbourhood, Anarkali Bazar is an entity that brightens Lahore. Stretching from the Lahori Gate of the Walled City to Mall Road, this bazaar has embodied commerce and culture for centuries now.
Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Set-Up: By Emperor Jahangir around 400 years back.
In addition to these well-known landmarks, Mozang is surrounded by other significant sites. These include Shama Road, Ichra Bazar, and the Lahore High Court.
Arts Crafts, and Cultures
Here is one mesmerising fact about old Lahore: it has cradled many forms of arts and craftsmanship. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the famous crafts and artisans who were born in the Mozang area.
Carriage Making Specialty of Tar-Khans (Tarkhan or Lumbermen)
The Gadd makers of Lahore, particularly in the Mozang area, were known for their skill in crafting carriages, with a specialty in Tar-Khans. The origin of the term “Tar-Khan” remains unclear, but some believe it stems from a Mongolian tribe, denoting high-ranking Khans. These craftsmen, influenced by the legacy of Genghis Khan, were renowned for their craftsmanship for centuries.
The Lahori Tonga
The Lahori Tonga, a unique carriage used in Lahore, was distinct from other types of Tongas. It was deep and could function as a boat during floods or river crossings, serving as an all-terrain vehicle. The craftsmanship of the Lahori Tonga was exceptional, with materials and accessories often sourced from Sultan de Seran outside Delhi Gate.
Gadd Making
Gadd making was also a specialty of Lahore, with the craftsmen facing challenges in selecting the right wood and making the wheels. Gadds were reliable carriages, often transporting entire neighbourhoods, and were even used to transport people from India to Pakistan during the partition in 1947.
Conclusion
Most of Lahore feels like a phoenix going through endless cycles of rejuvenations, adding layers of modernity befitting the time. Yet at heart, Lahore is an artwork of endless red-bricked buildings and rose-scented incense of Mughal age.
Old Town Lahore is not merely a residential area; it’s a portal to the past, where time seems to have stood still for more than three centuries. The busy bazaars and old buildings, like lovers standing resilient against the test of time, are a testament to the city’s lasting charm. Mozang, in particular, has carved out its own identity within androon Lahore, offering a glimpse into its rich traditions and roots.
Exploring Mozang is akin to stepping into the past, where every corner tells a story of Lahore’s colourful history. We hope this guide inspires you to take on a journey through the portal named Mozang, and immerse yourself in the timeless allure of old Lahore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more answers? Here are some helpful FAQs!
What is the postal code of Mozang Chungi?
The Mozang Chungi Postal Code is 05411
How do I get to Mozang Chungi?
Mozang Chungi is easily accessible from Queen’s Road which leads directly to Qurtaba Chowk or Mozang Chowk. The area is also accessible via the Metro bus and other local transportation services, making it convenient for visitors to reach.
Why do they call Lahore “the heart of Pakistan”?
Lahore is often referred to as “the heart of Pakistan” due to its historical, cultural, and economic significance. It has been a centre of Mughal and Sikh empires. It contains some architectural wonders like the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque. Lahore is also known for its colourful culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality, making it a cultural and social hub of the country.
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