An Inquiry into the Genius Loci of Karachi’s Bohri Bazaar Area in Pakistan

Abstract

Genius Loci or the ‘Spirit of place’ refers to the tangible and intangible characteristics of a place as regards several aspects. This concept relates to a deeper meaning of a place and its relationship with the environment. Genius Loci is not merely associated with the city’s urban fabric; instead, it is infused within the experience/ setting of the place. The paper discusses the connotation of Genius Loci as an important lens or a possible vocabulary for a much more layered and in-depth analysis of the Bohri Bazaar area in Saddar Bazaar quarter in Karachi, Pakistan. Bohri Bazaar is one of the early shopping streets developed during the British era in 1839, parallel with the concept of independent market buildings like Cunningham market (demolished in the late 19th century) or the Empress market, among many during British rule in Karachi. Its location within the Saddar Bazaar quarter in Karachi places it exceptionally at the central commercial spine of the city. The British designed the bazaar in Gridiron geometry to orient the users at their ease. The area is romanticized as an oriental bazaar because of its historical nature that homogeneously absorbs the local narrow street layouts and neighborhood context, giving a unique identity to its urban, architectural, and functional design. The methodology followed for this research is based on different sections. The first section is based on a literature review relating to the concept of Genius Loci and then literature on the Bohri Bazaar. The second section is based on the fieldwork conducted between 2020-21 to articulate a description of the area according to the concept of genius loci by physically visiting the site and surveying the Bazaar. Both sections are combined to develop a discussion on the genius loci of Bohri Bazaar for collective conclusions/outcomes. These conclusions are not a singular or solidified statement but an invitation for further investigation.