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Conservation Architect
Tahira Shaukat
Satellite image showing location of Gora graveyard
Contour plan & point layout
Area of about 22 acres
Topographic Map of Gora Graveyard:
Location: It is Located on Shahrah-e-Faisal, The Gora Kabristan (also spelled as Gora Qabristan) is Karachi's only operational Christian cemetery. It is Karachi's largest and only remaining British era civilian cemetery.
Introduction:
The Gora Qabristan, a cemetery in the metropolis, is one of the oldest cemeteries of the Christian community in the Sub-continent. Founded in 1839, this graveyard was also used as the burial place of British soldiers killed in World War I and World War II. But, at present, this historical cemetery in a very pathetic and dilapidated condition because neither the government functionaries nor the rich communities in the City ever bothered to undertake any effort for its maintenance. The basic factors behind the poor condition of this cemetery are the dilapidated artistic tombstones that were once in a classic touch and presented splendid piece of art. But now dozens of them facing dilapidation because either their relatives have left the City or not in a position to maintain these tombs. The history of the Gora Qabristan is more than a century.
Origin of name:
Literally means the graveyard of the 'fair skinned' which reference to the British occupants of Sindh.
Division:
Until around 1981, the cemetery was divided into two parts, Protestant and Catholic. However, since then, the wall separating them was removed and the two merged.
Management:
The Karachi Christian Cemetery Board manages its affairs.
Burial services:
From 1885, burial services have been performed by a family firm, Anthony Continuo & Company. The office still exists on Shahrah-e-Iraq, near St. Patrick's Cathedral, but it has all but stopped functioning.
Historical Background:
The year of the original consecration of the Karachi Christian Cemetery in Abyssinia Lines is 1845 but there is a tombstone set in the wall near the main gate of the cemetery bearing the inscription:
SACRED
To the Memory of MARIA COTTON
The Beloved Daughter Of Lieut. Colonel & Mrs. Cotton
Of H.M. 28 Regiment Who departed this life
On the 13 of October 1843 Aged 18 years.
This inscription is typical of many to be seen in the old part of the cemetery which lies
on either side of the main gate facing the road to the Air Port. The majority of the graves are of young soldiers, young women and children, bearing witness to the toll taken by tropical diseases in those days. Examination of the walls and old plans go to show that the cemetery must have originally occupied an area of about 10 acres but this has been extended from time to time and now measures some 22 acres.
Art work of Graves:
The graves house local Christians & those of Chinese origin. Tombstones are articulate and some are positively works of art.
Art work of Graves:
Art work of Graves:
Dilapidated Condition of Tomb of Ms. Louise Lawrence :
Traces of unqualified intervention are present.
Tomb of Ms. Louise Lawrence :
Tomb of Ms. Louise Lawrence :
Tomb of Ms. Louise Lawrence :
Many old Graves have been defaced, broken, vandalized and stolen by the miscreants and outsiders.
The erosion by wind, sewage and rain. Stone become saturated. As a result graves surfaces become marked and rough.
Inscriptions On Graves: All graves proudly indicate the identification of men buried there.
Inscriptions On Graves: All graves proudly indicate the identification of men buried there.
It is observed that not only the condition of the tombs, but the overall set-up of the cemetery is in shambles.
Statue of an angle on graves
Polish Memorial: In memory of the 58 Polish citizens who died in Karachi in the 1940s, a memorial has been erected by the Polish Government.
Polish Graves:
Entrance gate from main shahrah-e-faisal road
Entrance gate from korangi road
Sewerage work under process by Cantonment Board
Tank for rain water storage
Many graves got damage during work
Apart from discharge of sewage, the cemetery has also been serving as a dumping ground for garbage for residents of Bazarta Lines.
The unauthorized construction of houses on the west-side exact on the actual boundary about 4’of graveyard.
Openings and doors of houses towards graveyard to use in wrong manners.
The portions of the boundary wall have also been damaged which makes it easier for criminals, drug addicts and children to enter the premises.
The portions of the boundary wall have also been damaged which makes it easier for criminals, drug addicts and children to enter the premises.
Thick growth of vegetation towards west-side
Thick growth of vegetation towards west-side
Thick growth of vegetation towards South-side
This is in addition to the stagnant rain water which accumulates in the monsoon and takes months to be drained out.
Water causing humidity, dampness, and vegetation growth along and inside the graves after moon soon rain.
Conservation Work Plan For Gora Graveyard:
Removal of debris, shrubs, forest from site.
Searching and collection of missing or scattered parts of graves.
Leveling of surface, creating slope for rain water.
Forest cutting is most important to continue survey of the historical graves to find out their exact location.
A number of Stone graves situated in the plot towards Aisha Bahwany should and can be preserved. As these are most definitely a part of Pakistan’s history and heritage and it was important not to have these graves eliminated.
A topographic and contours map to check the land levels so that to come up with solutions to preserving this site.
Clean up Operation should start immediately. It is very important to clean and restore the tomb of Ms. Louise Lawrence to its original form.
Conservation Work Plan For Gora Graveyard:
The preservation process would consist of two major factors. Cost and technical expertise. Therefore funds would have to be generated to that effect.
The sewerage/ drains flowing from the Bizerta Lines basti. We must be committed to try and do the best to resolve the matter.
Installation of plants (water absorption) around the boundary wall.
Construction of 2’ wide plinth protection around the boundary wall with stone masonry around the cemetery.
Construction of path ways towards blocks divisions.
Installation of readymade shaded sitting arrangement on both entrance gates.
Construction of underground water tank 8’x8’x6’ towards slopes of water.
Restoration or renovation of chaukidar room.
Conservation Work Plan For Gora Graveyard:
Restoration or renovation of office of management.
Re-assembling or jointing of broken pieces of Graves stones/ replacing.
Master plan development for the rehabilitation of graveyard.
Installation of lighting poles.
Construction of underground water tank 8’x8’x6’.
The problem can be solved once the ground level is raised. “The community can always raise the tombstones of their historic graves once the level of the land is raised. This is a long-term solution.
