Lahore

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Lahore

Shahi Qila Fort in Lahore in Pakistan (1995, scanned slidefilm)

Lahore

Lahore is Pakistan's second largest city after Karachi. It lies in the north-east of the country, with the Ravi River flowing north-west of the city. Lahore is one of Pakistan's most important industrial and economic centers and the historic capital and cultural center of the wider Punjab region. The origins of the city date back to antiquity. It has been populated for two thousand years at least, although it became prominent in the 10th century. Lahore has been the capital of several empires throughout its history, including the Hindu Shahis, the Ghaznavids and the Delhi Sultanate in the medieval period. The city peaked under the Mughal Empire from the late 16th to the early 18th century and was its capital for many years. At this time, it was one of the largest cities in the medieval world. Lahore has a powerful cultural influence on Pakistan. A UNESCO City of Literature and the main center of Pakistan's publishing industry. It is also one of the main educational centers of Pakistan, as some of Pakistan's top universities are located in the city. The city is also home to a large part of Pakistan's tourist industry, with its main attractions such as the Walled City, the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, and numerous Sikh and Sufi shrines. Lahore is also host to the Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city is also known as "the city of gardens", as it has many gardens. It is also home to many ancient religious sites, including outstanding Hindu temples such as the Krishna Temple and the Valmiki Mandir.