Karachi’s Forgotten Clock Towers: Echoes of a Bygone Era
Karachi’s historic clock towers, once the rhythmic heart of the city, now stand as testaments to time and neglect. These architectural gems, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, once dictated the city’s tempo, their chimes echoing through bustling streets.
Echoes of a Bygone Era
These structures, including those at Eduljee Dinshaw Charitable Dispensary and Lea Market, now face decay. The clock tower at Eduljee Dinshaw Charitable Dispensary, erected in 1882, has hands frozen for decades. Meanwhile, the Lea Market clock tower is overtaken by a makeshift market.
A Reminder of the Past
Karachi-based heritage researcher Shaheen Nauman documented approximately 15 clock towers across the city. Only three of these still function. The remaining structures, like those at Empress Market and Merewether Tower, await essential repairs and preservation efforts, with some in urgent need of attention. “These towers were built between the late 19th and early 20th century,” Nauman says according to SindhNews.com.
Restoration and Hope
Empress Market’s clock tower has been revived thanks to dedicated local artist Bilal Asif, who restored the device that hadn’t worked for decades. However, the clock needs constant monitoring. Architect Marvi Mazhar advocates for declaring these structures as heritage properties. She further said that there should be monthly checks and logs for accountability.
Conclusion
Though occasional restoration efforts offer a glimmer of optimism, many of Karachi’s clock towers require immediate attention. These structures once set the pace of daily life, representing a significant period in the city’s history. Preserving and restoring these forgotten landmarks is crucial to safeguarding Karachi’s cultural identity.