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The Obsession of Pakistani Real Estate Developers with Replicas of Monuments

In recent years, a trend has emerged among Pakistani real estate developers, who have become obsessed with creating replicas of monuments in their housing schemes. This trend of replicating monuments started in Pakistan in the early 2000s when the Bahria Town housing scheme, one of the largest private real estate developers in the country, began constructing a replica of the Eiffel Tower in their flagship project, Bahria Town Karachi. The tower stands at a staggering 80 meters, making it the third-largest replica of the Eiffel Tower in the world.

Since then, other real estate developers have followed suit, creating replicas of various famous monuments from around the world. Some examples include a replica of the Great Wall of China in Bahria Town Lahore and a replica of the Burj Al-Arab in Blue World City. While some may argue that these replicas add a touch of novelty and grandeur to these housing schemes, the obsession with creating replicas of monuments has raised several concerns.

Real estate development is a booming industry in Pakistan, with the country witnessing a surge in the construction of high-rise buildings, residential and commercial projects, and shopping malls. However, in recent years, a trend has emerged among Pakistani real estate developers to build replicas of famous international monuments in housing societies, which has sparked debate in the architectural community.

The fascination with building replicas is not a new phenomenon, as it has been observed in different parts of the world. However, the Pakistani obsession with replicas seems to have intensified in recent years. The trend has been criticized by many architects and urban planners, who believe that it undermines the originality and creativity of Pakistani architecture and urban design.

Reasons for this Obsession

  • One of the main reasons for this obsession with replicas is the desire to create a sense of familiarity and identity among Pakistani people. By building replicas of famous international landmarks, real estate developers hope to attract more customers and create a sense of prestige and luxury. For example, the Eiffel Tower replica in Bahria Town, Lahore, was built to attract wealthy customers who aspire to live in a luxurious and exclusive environment.
  • Another reason for the popularity of replicas is the lack of regulations and oversight in the construction industry. The absence of strict building codes and planning regulations has allowed developers to build anything they want, regardless of its architectural significance or impact on the environment. As a result, many replicas are poorly designed and constructed, with little attention paid to the cultural and historical context in which they are built.

The construction of replicas also raises ethical questions about cultural appropriation and intellectual property rights. Building replicas of famous international landmarks without permission or compensation is seen by many as a form of cultural theft and disrespect for the original creators. Moreover, replicas often lack the historical and cultural significance of the original landmarks, reducing them to mere symbols of wealth and prestige.

Housing Societies with Replicas of Famous Monuments

Following are some housing societies that have developed/ plan to develop the replicas of famous monuments:

Blue World City

Blue World City is a housing society located in Islamabad, Pakistan. The society has been in the news recently for its plan to construct replicas of several famous monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Burj Khalifa, and the Great Wall of China. The replicas are intended to attract buyers and investors and create a unique selling point for society.

Bahria Town Rawalpindi

Bahria Town is one of the largest housing societies in Pakistan, with several projects located in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The society is known for its luxurious amenities and unique features, including replicas of several famous monuments. One of the most notable replicas in Bahria Town Rawalpindi is the Eiffel Tower, which stands at a height of 80 meters and is visible from several parts of the society. The tower has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over Pakistan to see it.

In addition to the Eiffel Tower, Bahria Town Rawalpindi also features replicas of the Statue of Liberty. These replicas are intended to provide residents with a sense of connection to the wider world and offer a taste of luxury and prestige.

7 Wonders City Islamabad

7 Wonders City is a housing society located in Islamabad, Pakistan. As its name suggests, the society features replicas of seven famous wonders of the world, including the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Statue of Liberty.

Positive and Negative Impacts of this Obsession

  • On the positive side, the construction of these replicas has attracted tourists and visitors and contributed to the country’s economy through increased tourism revenue. In addition, the development of these replicas has provided job opportunities for local laborers and skilled workers, contributing to the country’s employment rates.
  • However, there are also negative effects associated with this trend. Firstly, constructing replicas of famous landmarks may divert resources and attention away from the development of original and innovative structures that could contribute to the development of the country’s architecture and design industry.
  • Moreover, constructing replicas of landmarks from other countries can also lead to a loss of cultural identity and heritage. Pakistan has a rich architectural heritage that could be showcased and celebrated through the development of original structures that reflect local culture and history. Instead, the construction of replicas may create a sense of cultural dislocation and contribute to the homogenization of global urban landscapes.
  • Furthermore, the construction of these replicas may also contribute to environmental problems such as the loss of green spaces and the increase of traffic and pollution in the surrounding areas.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, the obsession of Pakistani real estate developers with replicas of monuments is a complex and controversial issue that raises questions about cultural identity, architectural heritage, and urban planning. While some argue that replicas are a harmless form of expression and a way to attract customers, others view them as a symptom of a broader problem of cultural neglect and lack of creativity in the construction industry.

While the construction of replicas of monuments may have some positive effects on the country’s real estate sector and tourism industry, it is important to strike a balance between economic development and preserving the country’s cultural heritage and identity. The development of original and innovative structures that reflect local culture and history should be encouraged, rather than replicating landmarks from other countries.

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