Heera Mandi: A look at Pakistan’s oldest red light district

Heera Mandi in Lahore, also called Shahi Mohalla (royal neighbourhood), is located at the Taxali Gate in the city. The place is the centre of prostitution today, which takes place under the veil of mujra, a form of dance that blends elements of classical Kathak with music (thumri) and ghazals (poems). A prostitute gestures before going out for an event in Lahore. (AFP)

Updated on: Aug 27, 2016 12:23 AM IST

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Heera Mandi in Lahore, also called Shahi Mohalla (royal neighbourhood), is located at the Taxali Gate in the city. The place is the centre of prostitution today, which takes place under the veil of mujra, a form of dance that blends elements of classical Kathak with music (thumri) and ghazals (poems). A prostitute gestures before going out for an event in Lahore. (AFP)

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Pakistan’s oldest red light district was for centuries a hub of traditional erotic dancers, musicians and prostitutes -- Montmartre with a Mughal twist, deep in the heart of vibrant Lahore. Rashid Bhatti (L), a dance instructor, teaching students dance steps at his dance academy in Lahore. (AFP)

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But as an e-commerce boom revolutionises how Pakistanis conduct the world’s oldest profession, locals say the historic Heera Mandi district is under threat. A Pakistani dancer practices her Bollywood dance moves in an academy in Lahore. (AFP)

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Heera Mandi was originally the hub of the Tawaif culture in Mughal India, a tradition of courtesans who catered to the royalty. They were considered an authority on etiquette and experts in music and dance. A prostitute from the red light district sits on a bed before going out for an event in Lahore. (AFP)

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The name Heera Mandi literally translates to diamond market. The term ‘heera’ was used to describe the beauty of the girls. Dance instructor Rashid Bhatti with his students... (AFP)

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Heera Mandi fell from esteem and acquired its current status during the British colonial area. (streets.of.pk/INSTAGRAM)

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The British first developed brothel houses in the Anarkali market in the city to cater to the needs of the British soldiers stationed there. The brothels then moved to the Lohari gate before ending up here. (komfortablynumb/INSTAGRAM)

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During the day, the place is well-known for its shops that specialise in musical instruments. (haiderjamil/INSTAGRAM)

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It is also a busy bazaar known for its good food and wide range of Khussa (traditional Mughal footwear) . (baig_aadi/INSTAGRAM)