Multan- An oldest city having cultural diversity, strong traditions, saints, shrines.

The city of Multan is said to be 5000 B.C historic oldest region and sister city of Rome. Previously it was called 'City of Gold 'now retained the status of 'City of Saints and Shrines'.

However, it is also believed that the city was named after the Sun Idol called 'Multan' being worshipped by Hindus surviving in majority here before taking place the historic partition.

Multan throughout its history has remained a center of social, culture, religious, educational and political activities. Today, it reflects a complex mix of modern, planned metropolitan systems and old civilization.

Within the radius of 25 miles in Madeenatul-Aulia, there are hundreds of mausoleums of saints who propagated Islam in sub-continent with a message of peace, tolerance and religious harmony.

There are more than 100,000 shrines placed here in the city with most of them erased with the passage of time due to expansion and development projects.

However, presently there are around 3000 to 4000 shrines that are visited by the people regularly.

One of the famous shrines is Sheikh Bahuddin Zakariya known as Bahawal Haq.

Born in 1170 in Layyah, he got religious education from Iran.

On his return to the Sub continent, Bahawal Haq settled in Multan in 1222 AD to preach Islam.

Sheikh Bahauddin Zakariya's Mausoleum is visited by thousands of people and devotees from all over Pakistan especially from Sindh apart from Southern Punjab.

Shah Rukn E Alam was the grandson of Bahawal Haq, who continued the message of his grandfather.

His shrine was built by Ghias-u-Din Tughlaq. In addition to that, The Khanqah (Shrine) of Shah Rukn-eAlam, a masterpiece of architecture became the identity of the city.

Situated on top of a small hillock, behind the old ruins of Multan Fort, the Mazar and its majestic dome is the first landmark visible when anybody comes to visit here.

Shah Rukn-e-Alam (1251-1335) was a Sufi saint residing in the city being revered by thousands of pilgrims from all over the country who used to pay regular visits here.

He was the grandson and successor of Sufi Shaikh Baha-Ud-Din Zakariya taking eternal rest at the closest site.

The dome is more than 50 feet in diameter with over 100 feet height.

The entire complex is built with red bricks and decorated with wonderful woodwork.

Beside the religious importance, they are a blend of scenic architectural beauty with an old historic standard displayed through red bricks met with blue and white tiles famously recognized as...

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