Lahore fort as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage in Pakistan

Abstract

Lahore Fort, a witness to centuries of history, is situated on the northwestern side of Lahore. A monument, more than a collection of ancient buildings, is considered the finest example of a living chronicle of the empires, artistry, and cultural heritage. Its origin etched to ancient times, beginning with Emperor Akbar in the late 1500s. The Great Emperor, Akbar, transformed a humble mud-brick fort into a formidable stronghold, aimed at making Lahore the capital. Built on the city’s edge, overlooking the Ravi River, the strategic location offered both defense and control. At present, Lahore Fort stands as a proud emblem of Pakistan’s heritage, architectural evolution, and where echoes of the Mughal era, the reign of the Sikh Empire, and the colonial period still linger. The research investigates the process of selective preservation of Pakistan, which has a major effect on the nation’s identity. It analyses the effects of government policies and ideologies on cultural heritage. The study aims to explore the tangible link between the Lahore Fort’s representation as a symbol of national heritage and religious historical identity. The researcher employed a descriptive, analytical, and qualitative approach for the research.