The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in collaboration with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), Government of Punjab, and with generous grant support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE) carried out the conservation of the 17th century Mughal period Shahi Hammam (bathhouse).
The restored Shahi Hammam was recently inaugurated by Lars Nordrum - Acting Ambassador of Norway, Kamran Lashari - Director General Walled City of Lahore Authority, and Akbarali Pesnani - Chairman Aga Khan Cultural Service-Pakistan in Lahore's Walled City. The Shahi Hammam was built in 1045 AH (1635 CE) by Hakim Ilmuddin Wazir Khan, Governor of Lahore, as part of an endowment which included the Wazir Khan Mosque. Historically, the Hammam fell into disuse probably in the 18th century during the decline and fall of the Mughal Empire. From the early British period onwards, the Hammam building has been used for many different purposes other than its intended one - as a primary school, dispensary, and recreational centre as well as an office for the local municipality. Additional shops were allowed along the length of the building's northern, western and southern façades.
The Hammam has undergone two earlier conservation cycles: in 1991, when the magnificent wall paintings were re-discovered, and in 2005. By removing the marble floors laid in 1991, the secrets of the Hammam have been revealed for the first time during the present conservation cycle. These include the original system for heating the building as well as the water for bathing, the manner in which the water was circulated in the building, and the traditional manner of the use of the building. The project has also involved the consolidation of the building's structure and the removal of risks of further damage. Prior to the commencement of conservation work, WCLA facilitated the removal of encroachments around the Hammam and all 52 shops were removed with compensation. The Hammam's northern façade was also consolidated and a retaining wall was constructed.
Speaking at the occasion, Akber Pesnani, Chairman AKCS-P said, "Inspired by His Highness the Aga Khan's commitment to the preservation of historic cities in the Muslim world, AKTC has been working to prove cultural heritage can become a catalyst for positive change." Expressing his views, the Acting Ambassador of Norway Mr Lars Nordrum said "I find myself at a loss for words when seeing the amazing restoration work that has been done. Great thanks to the WCLA, Government of Punjab and not least to our friends of the Aga Khan. We look forward to working on similar projects in Lahore with the AKDN."
MNA Malik Pervaiz expressed gratitude for the "wonderful work done by the AKTC and Norwegian government. It is their masterpiece present for the people of Lahore." He also suggested that the Shalimar Garden be taken up as the next project. The Hammam is open to the public as a museum under WCLA's responsibility. Visitors will use a 110-metre long steel and glass walkway, starting at the main entrance on the western side, for movement through the internal chambers of the historic structure and to view the underground facilities as well as some portions showing the recreated bath and pool. The first stop is a room - adorned with original frescoes from the Shah Jahani era, where visitors will watch a short film about the Hammam and the conservation project. The remaining tour includes the display of conserved frescoes, numerous artefacts which were discovered during the excavation stage, and furnaces. Additional facilities include an outdoor café and a souvenir shop. AKTC has been working with the Government of Punjab and WCLA since July 2007 on the rehabilitation of the Walled City of Lahore.-PR