If you think you know what Lahore is all about, think again!
Today, social networking websites have redefined the city for us. They have helped bring people together through online communities, provided them with interactive forums and, most of all, been instrumental in showcasing Lahore’s rich culture, history, stories, mysteries, landmarks and talents in many interesting ways.
In Pakistan, where social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter are widely used, ‘groups’ and ‘pages’ about everything ranging from environment, food, books, sports, history, events to photography have become very popular.
A research into some groups about Lahore revealed that Facebook and Twitter were significantly helping people stay well informed and au fait with the latest trends in every field. Having likeminded individuals on one platform also provides an opportunity to indulge in insightful discussions.
Groups about sports such as ‘The Football Lounge’ have managed to provide such a forum. According to the group’s owner, Rehanul Haq, by uniting the football community in Lahore and beyond the group allows football fans to discuss their favourite game, matches and latest football news. With the FIFA World Cup currently in full swing, the group features regular match analyses and updates. Furthermore, it helps them arrange matches and screenings within Lahore enabling fans to connect with one another.
Being a historically significant city with a rich culture, architecture and heritage, Lahore has given way to individuals like Farhan Shah and Shiraz Hassan to initiate groups like ‘Old Lahore Walkabouts’ and ‘Exploring Lahore’, respectively. They are working tirelessly with a unique agenda of uncovering the ‘glorious’ side of the city.
‘Old Lahore Walkabouts’ arranges trips to the inner city, from narrow streets of its residential areas, bustling bazaars to its historic monuments, introducing people to, as Shah puts it, the “enchanting lifestyle of Lahorites who have been living there for centuries”. Coming from the Fakir family, Farhan aims at spreading the treasure of untold stories about the city that he fortunately has access to. The page features some magnificent pictures, facts, figures and tales from the past that are not available anywhere.
‘Exploring Lahore’, available on both Twitter and Facebook, was started by Shiraz Hassan in 2010 with the aim to ‘explore’ Lahore: its cultural and religious diversity, landmarks, street culture, people, food, bazaars, music and entertainment. He captures and shares exclusive moments from around Lahore, including various religious festivals.
Twitter groups like ‘Lahore Nama’, a venture started by renowned journalist, blogger and author Raza Rumi, have also played a vital role. Visiting the group’s page is like diving into a pool of information about the city: from vintage photographs, old newspaper clippings to the latest happenings, the group is a great tribute to the city.
All three of these groups have managed to attract members from not just Lahore but all over the world.
Moreover, ‘Green Drinks Lahore’ is ‘an open source networking event’ for environment professionals and enthusiasts in the city where they come together and share concerns about the worsening conditions of the city’s environment.
Ali Amjad, one of the administrators for their Facebook group, revealed sustainability, volunteerism and social media are the ‘pillars’ of this venture. Facebook has, hence, been crucial in helping them spread awareness and draw more members.
Under the name of ‘Project Lahore’ launched in 2010, ‘Lahore City of Gardens’ is another very popular Facebook group working as a ‘voluntary’ and ‘non-profit’ initiative aiming at archiving the visual history of Lahore. It shares photographs from across Lahore, past and present, and also encourages members to contribute. It is helping unravel the city through people’s experiences.
The groups provide a smooth access to all the information and latest news about the city as well as a platform to stay connected with likeminded Lahorites.
Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2014