The final resting place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah – Mazar e Quaid is one of Karachi’s most prominent sites. The Tomb was built to commemorate the nation’s founder and his strenuous contributions. Today, the site is a significant tourist attraction in the heart of Karachi.
In this blog, Graana.com features everything you need to know about Mazar e Quaid Karachi.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mazar-e-Quaid |
| Also Known As | Jinnah Mausoleum or National Mausoleum |
| Location | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Construction Started | 1960 |
| Completed | 1970 |
| Architect | Yahya Merchant |
| Architectural Style | Modernist with elements of traditional Mughal architecture |
| Materials Used | White marble |
| Height | 43 meters (141 feet) |
| Significance | Final resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan |
| Tombs Included | Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah (Jinnah’s sister), and Liaquat Ali Khan (first Prime Minister) |
| Gardens | Surrounding park with well-manicured lawns, trees, and walkways |
| Visitors | Open to the public, popular tourist site and a place for official ceremonies |
| Annual Events | Independence Day (August 14) and Pakistan Day (March 23) celebrations |
| Nearby Landmarks | Nishtar Park, Karachi Expo Center, and Quaid-e-Azam House Museum |
| Security | High level of security with a dedicated unit for protection and maintenance |
A Glance at History
It is one of the best places to visit in Karachi. The proposal and construction of Mazar e Quaid was a perilous journey, spanning several decades. After Jinnah’s death, his resting place was marked by a marble slab on a plinth. The Quaid-e-Azam Memorial Fund (QMF) was set up to make an excellent memorial site in 1949. The QMF was responsible for designing a befitting memorial site for Jinnah.
After rejecting several proposals over the years, the QMF held an international competition, inviting architects worldwide to submit their designs. A European jury declared a British architect the winner of the competition. However, Fatima Jinnah, Quaid’s sister, remained unsatisfied with the winning design, vetoing the competition entirely.
Fatima Jinnah took control of the QMF and commissioned an Indian architect, Yahya Merchant, to design her brother’s mausoleum. Construction of the monument began in 1960, with President Ayub Khan laying the foundation stone. After a decade of construction, Mazar e Quaid was inaugurated by Yahya Khan in 1971.
Location of Mazar e Quaid
The Mazar e Quaid, also known as the Quaid e Azam Mazar, is situated in the upscale locality of Jamshed Quarters within Jamshed Town. This location is precisely in the center of Karachi, a befitting location for the nation’s founder. The mausoleum sits in a 53-acre park in Karachi, dotted with fountains portraying a neo-Mughal style.
Architectural Design
The monument’s design has been accredited to the popular modernist style of the 1960s. At a glance, the monument may appear quite simple, but an up-close view reveals the detailed and elaborate design of the tomb. These attributes of the tomb are said to represent Jinnah’s personality.
Clad in white marble, the tomb is set on an elevated 54 square-meter platform. The tomb boasts an immaculate dome on top, while the interior is set with a four-tiered chandelier – a gift from the People’s Republic of China.
The four arched entrances of the mausoleum consist of a beautiful copper latticework, leaving just a portion empty to be used as an entrance for the monument. The materials used were sourced from the local area, giving the local population an opportunity to play a significant role in the construction of this mausoleum.
The monument’s iconic design has been deemed a traditional monument of the modernist period. The overall design is said to symbolize Jinnah and his life. The white marble represents his purity and goodwill, while the arched dome and geometric forms portray him as a larger-than-life figure.
Topography of Mazar e Quaid
The landscape of the Mazar e Quaid Jinnah mausoleum consists of terraces, gardens, and fifteen fountains that lead up to the tomb, paying tribute to the nation’s Mughal roots. The monument sits atop a 75mx75m plinth, with a height of almost 4 metres. This sets the monument apart from its natural surroundings, emphasizing the significance of this man-made structure.
The area around the monument serves as a recreation centre, with several channeled spot-lights fixed on the plinth, turning the mausoleum into a spectacular sight even at night. Inside the grand space is the ceremonial sarcophagus in the centre, with the actual tomb beneath this structure.
This ensures that Quaid’s resting place remains safe and undisturbed in a secure subterranean chamber. The inner part of the mausoleum consists of four more graves belonging to Fatima Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, Sardar Abdur Rab, and Nurul Amin.
Ceremonial Significance
The site holds considerable ceremonial importance as a military, and official ceremonies take place on the mausoleum’s grounds during special occasions, such as Pakistan Day (23rd March), Independence Day (14th August), and Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday (25th December). Foreign ambassadors and dignitaries often visit the monument during their official visits.
Tourist Attractions
It is considered to be one of the most visited historical places in Karachi. The mausoleum itself gains immense traction from tourists and visitors throughout the year. However, several areas around it offer entertainment and recreation, a perfect addition to a trip to this monumental site.
Right next to the monument is Karachi’s famous Jinnah Park, boasting a lush green space, perfect for any picnic. A few kilometres away from the mausoleum is the food street in the Sindhi Muslim Society, offering several eateries and restaurants with local and exotic cuisines.
Some of the famous restaurants in Karachi are:
- Ginsoy
- Koffie Chalet
- Nando’s
- The Kababist
- Café Zouk
- Vintage
- Del Frio
Opening Hours
If you’re planning to visit the mausoleum, knowing the Mazar e Quaid timings is essential to avoid any hassle. For Friday to Tuesday, the timings are from 10:00 am to 5:30 am, while the timings for Wednesday and Thursday are shorter – 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
However, on special occasions, the tomb is closed off to the general public. This is usually done for ceremonies or special events such as Independence Day or Pakistan Day.
How to get to Quaid e Azam Mazar?
Being in the center of Karachi, Mazar e Quaid is easily accessible from all parts of the city. As the surrounding area is relatively developed, bus stops for public transport are dotted throughout the major highways that lead directly to the tomb.
Moreover, ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Careem, and InDriver are popular among tourists visiting the tomb. Mazar e Quaid is one of Pakistan’s most revered monuments, serving not just as the Quaid’s final resting place but also as a symbol of the people’s resilience and sacrifice that led to the formation of this country.
The tomb is one of Karachi’s most iconic sites and a defining feature of central Karachi’s skyline. Considering the site’s prominence, it will surely retain its significance for millennia.
Interesting Facts
Symbol of National Unity
The Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as Mazar-e-Quaid, is a national symbol of unity in Pakistan. It is a testament to Quaid-e-Azam’s foresight and leadership in the fight for freedom and is the founder of Pakistan’s final resting place.
Architectural Wonder
The mausoleum’s architecture is a stunning fusion of contemporary and classic designs. The building, created by Yahya Merchant, is made of white marble and reddish-brown stone, signifying simplicity and power. With a height of 43 meters, it is one of the tallest domes in the entire globe.
Magnificent surroundings may be found at the 53-acre Mazar-e-Quaid complex, surrounded by exquisitely designed gardens, fountains, and reflected ponds. The tranquil setting provides a peaceful setting for people to pay their respects and consider the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam.
Resting Place of Other Significant Leaders
In addition to Quaid-e-Azam, the mausoleum is home to the graves of other significant leaders, including Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first prime minister, and Fatima Jinnah, the latter of whom is Quaid-e-Azam’s sister. These cemeteries serve as a reminder of these well-known individuals’ contributions to forming the country.
Venue for National Celebrations
The mausoleum is the focal point for several national holidays and events, such as Pakistan’s Independence Day and Quaid-e-Azam’s birth and death anniversaries. To respect Pakistan’s founding father’s heritage, these events unite people from all over the nation.
As a permanent reminder of the ideas and tenets upon which Pakistan was founded, Mazar-e-Quaid serves as a tribute to the unwavering spirit and vision of Quaid-e-Azam. Visitors can honor the leader who was essential in the formation of the country in this revered location.
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FAQs
What is Mazar Quaid a symbol of?
Mazar-e-Quaid symbolizes national unity, pride, and reverence in Pakistan. It represents the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and his vision for an independent nation. The mausoleum stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence and is a place of inspiration for Pakistanis.
What is the entry fee for Quaid e Azam Mazar?
There is no entry fee for visiting Mazar-e-Quaid. The mausoleum is open to the public, and people from all walks of life can pay their respects and explore the complex without any charge.
Where is Grave of Quaid e Azam?
The grave of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is located in Karachi, Pakistan. It is situated in the Mazar-e-Quaid complex, also known as the Jinnah Mausoleum.
What are some lines about Quaid e Azam Mazar?
“In the serene embrace of white marble, Quaid-e-Azam’s legacy resides.”
“A mausoleum grand, a symbol of our nation’s pride.”
“Where the eternal flame burns, his spirit forever alive.”
“A tribute to the leader, who in our hearts will always thrive.”
What are some fun facts about Mazar e Quaid?
The mausoleum’s construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1971.
Islamic and Mughal architectural styles influence the design of the mausoleum.
The mausoleum complex includes a library, museum, and art gallery showcasing artifacts and historical documents.
The changing of the guard ceremony, similar to the one at Buckingham Palace, takes place every day at the mausoleum.
The mausoleum is illuminated beautifully at night, creating a captivating sight for visitors.
