Lahore Hosts Historic Book Launch
On April 19, 2025, Alliance Française de Lahore held a special event. The occasion marked the launch of a new book by art historian Dr. Kanwal Khalid. Her book, “Picture Wall of Lahore Fort: The Longest Mosaic Kashi Wall in the World”, explores the history and beauty of the Lahore Fort’s Picture Wall.
The launch was organized in partnership with the Aga Khan Cultural Service – Pakistan (AKCS-P) and the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). The event combined art, heritage, and culture, ending with a music performance by artists from Hunza.
A Global Masterpiece in Lahore
Fabrice Disdier, Director of Alliance Française Lahore, opened the event.
“This evening is not just about a book. It’s a chance to reconnect with a 400-year-old masterpiece,” he said.
The Picture Wall is 1,450 feet long and 50 feet high. It is the largest glazed tile mosaic in the world and a key part of Lahore’s historical identity.
Inside the Book: A Rare Artistic Treasure
Dr. Khalid shared highlights from her book. She described the Kashi mosaic technique as a complex art, similar to solving a giant puzzle.
She explained that historical records about the wall are limited. Much of her research came from traditional sources and visual study.
She also suggested that some tile patterns may represent musical sounds.
“These designs might reflect the audio of Mughal instruments. Let the wall sing,” she added.
Cultural Symbols and Ancient Stories
The wall features influences from Iran, Europe, Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism. It also shows animals and birds admired by Mughal rulers.
One unique image is of a tiger with blue spots. Dr. Khalid linked this to a story in Emperor Jehangir’s memoir. In it, a king gave Jehangir a tiger with blue spots—once thought to be imaginary.
Praise from Cultural Leaders
Aisha Khan, Deputy Director at WCLA, praised the wall’s art. She said the wall shows the Mughal era’s love for detailed floral, animal, and geometric patterns.
Tausif Khawaja, CEO of AKCS-P, said the Picture Wall is a major reason why the Lahore Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. He called the restoration a team effort, involving artists, architects, engineers, archaeologists, and more.
“Every panel was designed after careful discussions,” he noted.
Restoration Almost Complete
Mr. Khawaja confirmed that most of the wall has already been restored. The work is expected to finish by the end of 2025.
A grand opening is planned for early 2026, with global guests and top government officials invited to attend.
Musical Tribute from Hunza
The event ended with a live performance by artists from Hunza’s Lief Larson Music Centre (LLMC). They played traditional instruments like the Chitrali Sitar, Rubab, Xghini, and Dadang.
Their music, titled “Ishq-e-Lahore”, was a tribute to the city’s spirit and its deep love for art and history.
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
The event honored both Dr. Khalid’s work and the cultural legacy of Lahore. Her book offers a fresh look at the Mughal era and the lasting beauty of the Picture Wall. It also supports the global effort to protect historic landmarks for future generations.
