Public defence doctoral thesis: Syed Hamid Akbar

Tracing the British-Era Architectural Legacy in Karachi: Investigating the Saddar Bazaar Quarter to develop guidelines for Conservation Management Plan.

About the defence

In contemporary Karachi, British-era buildings face increasing threats from neglect, rapid urban development, and a complex socio-cultural perception. These structures, often viewed through the lens of a contested colonial past, are considered less valuable than older, Mughal-era architecture therefore, at risk of demolition and replacement by modern constructions. This phenomenon is especially evident in the Saddar Bazaar Quarter, where rapid commercialization and urban decay have compromised the environmental, social, and cultural integrity of the area.

This research examines the British-era heritage in Karachi, Pakistan, which, despite having protected status, is still at risk of deterioration. It investigates the underlying causes and assesses the current condition of the "British Protected Heritage." This research addresses the core problem of this disconnect between the protected status of British-era buildings in Karachi and their continued deterioration and loss, highlighting the inadequacies in existing conservation frameworks. The study poses the following research questions: What is the socio-cultural, historical, and architectural significance of British-era buildings in Karachi’s Saddar Bazaar Quarter, and what guidelines can be developed to ensure their sustainable preservation and integration into the contemporary urban fabric? To answer these questions, this research investigates the Saddar Bazaar Quarter, analyzing its architectural heritage, current conditions, cultural meanings associated with these structures and heritage value assessment.

Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach—including historical analysis, field assessments, and a critical review of heritage legislation, particularly the Antiquity Act of Pakistan and Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act—the research identifies that these British-era buildings are not only architectural landmarks but also crucial components of Karachi’s cultural and historical identity. The findings reveal significant gaps in heritage protection laws, as well as socio political and economic challenges impeding effective conservation.

As a core outcome, the research proposes a comprehensive guidelines for developing a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the British era architectural legacy in the Saddar Bazaar Quarter. This CMP includes strategic guidelines for the sustainable preservation, adaptive reuse, and integration of these heritage structures into Karachi’s evolving urban landscape.

Committee

Promotor:

• Prof. dr. Koenraad Van Cleempoel

Jury Members:

• Prof. dr. Bie Plevoets
• Prof. dr. Veronica Cristina Heras Barros
• dr. Godfrey Severe Ayubu
• dr. Chris Bessemans
• Ir. arch. Nikolaas Van de keere

Date and location:

• Monday December 16th 2024
• 16h00 - 18h00: Defence
• 18h00 - 20h00: Reception
  
  
• Refugiehuis, Maastrichterstraat 100, 3500 Hasselt

Registration

Please register here before December 12th 2024.

More information

• Research Group Trace

Photo Collage: The background map is a historical depiction of Karachi’s urban layout by the British from 1869-70, while the photographs are of British era  buildings from Saddar Bazaar Quarter. Source: Map from British Library, London and photographs were captured by the author during fieldwork conducted in 2020-2021.