Traditional Bazaar Spaces in Southern Punjab, Pakistan: Social Life, Urban Identity, and Residential–Commercial Coexistence

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15320/ICONARP.2026.359

Keywords:

Residential-commercial coexistence, Social interaction, Southern Punjab, Traditional bazar spaces, Urban identity

Abstract

This paper focuses on discussing the traditional bazaar space of Uch Sharif, a historic urban centre in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and how these bazaars have facilitated the social interaction, identity creation in the city and how they have shaped or united the residential and commercial lifestyle. The study, using a qualitative, case-based approach that combines spatial mapping, architectural analysis, visual documentation, and interviewing the stakeholders, reveals that the bazaars of Uch - Chunri, Mehboob Subhani and Bukhari are not just commercial centres, but are also dynamic socio-spatial systems. The buildings are climatically responsive, the plans are multi-use and the activities are culturally embedded, which are all aspects of vernacular urbanism. The bazaars of Uch are hybridities in space, with trade, dwelling, religion and social life in a dense urban structure, a structure that is quite the opposite of the rigid zoning patterns of the modern city. Based on theories of social space (Lefebvre), place attachment (Relph and Tuan), and vernacular resilience, the study demonstrates the importance of these bazaars in maintaining intergenerational knowledge, a community network, and flexibility of its environment. The courtyards, shaded alleys and the thick earthen walls that they employed as passive cooling systems are also good examples of sustainability in the conception of cities in semi-arid landscapes. Yet, these are threats that are becoming more present in these heritage spaces that are threatened by modernization, neglect and uncontrolled development. The study is in favor of comprehensive regeneration plan which comprises heritage zoning, participatory planning and encouragement of the traditional micro enterprises. This study evokes the lived heritage and the architectural intelligence of Uch bazaars which are still relevant as sensitive low energy cities with rich cultural heritage. Concludes that it is not only important to conserve them physically with the renewal of such spaces, but also to maintain the sense of social and symbolic meaning of everyday urban life.

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Author Biographies

Ayaz Mahmood, University of Management and Technology

Ayaz Mahmood, Associate Professor Architect, is a PHD Scholar at School of Architecture and Planning (SAP), University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan. He is Chairman of the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, with additional charge as Chief Architect at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Pakistan. His work focuses on conservation, rehabilitation, and regeneration of cultural heritage in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. He is a member of PCATP, IAP Pakistan, and ICOMOS, and serves as an approved external juror for final-year architecture thesis evaluation. He has presented at national and international conferences and published many research papers. He has received multiple excellence awards from IUB Vice Chancellors (2008–2024) and the 2006 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction for the Uch Monument Complex. He has contributed to international projects including UNDP-GEF building design initiatives in Southern Punjab, World Monuments Fund-supported conservation at Uch, heritage inventory work with Aga Khan Cultural Services Pakistan, and post-earthquake rehabilitation in Azad Jammu & Kashmir funded by the Prince Claus Fund.

Saima Gulzar, University of Management and Technology

Saima Gulzar, Prof. Architect Dr., has over 24 years of experience in the field of Architecture in different capacities in addition to her particular contribution in the Architectural research and publications. She is currently serving as Chairperson Department of Architecture, UMT Lahore. She is a POSTDOC in Architectural Conservation-a multidisciplinary venture of the World’s ranked university ETH-Zurich (Q.S World Rankings No.3). Her particular specialization is in the Scientific Conservation of Built Heritage as the present day conservation of cultural heritage is the knowledge backed by all the technical, scientific and artistic disciplines. She presented her doctoral and post-doctoral research in different conferences all around the globe (USA, UK, Europe, and ASIA). Dr. Gulzar is also a life member of Pakistan Council of Architects and Planners (PCATP) and Institute of Architects (IAP). Dr. Gulzar is a HEC Approved Supervisor and has authored many research papers in the impact factor Journals.

Ayesha Mehmood Malik, The University of Lahore

Ayesha Mehmood Malik is Professor and Head of the School of Architecture at the University of Lahore, Pakistan. She holds a Ph.D. in Architecture and brings over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, academic leadership, and professional practice. Her research interests include architectural conservation and heritage, energy efficiency and sustainable design, interior and landscape architecture, and research methodology. She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and regularly presents at national and international forums. Dr. Malik serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Architecture and Built Environment Research and is an advisory board member for several academic journals. She has received the Best University Teacher Award, multiple HEC research grants, and publication-based research awards. She also contributes to institutional governance as a Member of the Syndicate and has served as an international trainer for the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

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Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Mahmood, A., Gulzar, S., & Malik, A. M. (2026). Traditional Bazaar Spaces in Southern Punjab, Pakistan: Social Life, Urban Identity, and Residential–Commercial Coexistence. ICONARP International Journal of Architecture and Planning, 14(1), 206–229. https://doi.org/10.15320/ICONARP.2026.359

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026)

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Articles

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