The glorious Empress Market

Dawn.com Published February 7, 2011

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Inaugurated in 1889, the Empress Market in Saddar was built to house shops selling groceries and daily household items such as fruits, vegetables as well as utensils used in cooking. The building, made from made from limestone blocks, is a stunning reminder of Victorian architecture that once dotted the city.

A historical monument in the city, Empress Market deserves much attention and needs to be restored to its original glory. – Text by Suhail Yusuf, photographs by Eefa Khalid and Nadir Siddiqui / Dawn.com

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i bawkher

Feb 07, 2011 10:53pm

It is shameful/regretable -that the Karachi city authorities are in -competent not to be able to maintain /protect - its inherited treasures given to it in 1947 .

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Feb 08, 2011 02:59am

Wow, what a wonderful set of photos. Certainly takes me back down the memory lane. I lived not far from this market and walked through there all the time. Of course I moved to US at a young age but still vividly and affectionately remember this great place. Back then it was safe unlike now! Brought my children here. They are goras but they enjoyed it tremendously. I wish some things didn't change. Wonder if the Humdard pharmacy is still around?

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GKrishnan

Feb 08, 2011 06:28pm

Very similar in style and construction, and the shops and people too, not forgetting the Clock, like New Market in Calcutta, which preceded Empress Market by just a few years. May people be able to move freely between the two cities that have these majestic buildings, sooner rather than later.

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NuLife

Feb 09, 2011 03:35pm

Love these pictures. I have lived here all my life.(Still live very near) Back in 80's , Russian nationals from Steel mill ,throng this market & Shahabuddin Market, now relocated. I love the cool n calm structure of the inside market. It was fun to visit Fish market, which is also relocated. I wish empress market be renovated & Shahubuddin market & fish market be placed again as before.

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