You might have listen about many graveyards but not even one like the "MAKLI NECROPOLIS". It is one of the largest funerary sites in the world.It covers an area of 10 sq km and has about 500,000 to 1 million mates in their eternal sleep.
The tombs here are known to be built more than 400 years ago.
Many royalty,sufi saints,governors, and esteemed scholars are present in these graves.......
Image from: www.brandsynario.com
Makli Necropolis is located in the city of Maklia located near THATTA in SINDH,PAKISTAN.It is 98 km from Karachi.
The site, and nearby hills, are said to derive their name from a legend in which a Hajj pilgrim (the most holy prayer of muslims) stopped at the site and erupted into spiritual ecstasy, declaring the site to be Makkah(the holy city) for him. The Sufi saint Sheikh Hamad Jamali is then said to have named the site "Makli", or "Little Makkah", after hearing the story of the pilgrim
The Sufi saint, poet and scholar Shaikh Jamali established a khanqah, or Sufi gathering site, at Makli and was eventually buried there. The 14th century Trakhan ruler, Jam Tamachi, venerated the saint and wished to be interred near the saint, beginning the tradition of using Makli as a funerary site.
The site rose to prominence as a major funerary site during under the rule of the Samma dynasty, who had made their capital near Thatta.
The most architecturally significant tombs at the site date from around the time of the Mughal era, between 1570 and 1640 CE.
This also makes a very big tourists attraction in Pakistan.Many historians,tourists and archeologists visit the place it regularly.
A beautiful lake "Kinjher Lake" is also present near the graveyard. People also visit the lake after visiting the graveyard to lighten their mood after seeing some graves.
image from:www.brandsynario.com
Makli Necropolis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The site's structural integrity has been affected by siltation, encroachment, poor site management, vandalism, and solid waste.The 2010 Pakistan floods further compounded the site's deterioration.
I visited the place a few years ago........
It was a very unique experience..........
As I told above about tourists I myself helped a group of people from Canada to look around the place......(well of course free of cost)......It was kind of fun and they also appreciated it and thanked me sincerely.
BEWARE...........
The graveyard is open 24 hours but not for the fainthearted.....The Makli necropolis is one of the most haunted places in Pakistan......Many will take it as a joke but the locals say that at night there are noises of screams and cries all over the place.......but no harm has ever been done to anyone.
Well if you ask me Makli is really a place worth visiting............
If you ever visit Pakistan do come to Makli.......
If you want to ask anything about Pakistan and Makli you can comment below.
Best Wishes
