A mini replica of Karachi’s famous ‘teen (3) talwar‘ monument has emerged in Mirpur Khas. In the photo below Karachi’s three-sword landmark is to the left and Mirpur Khas replica to the right.
What do our readers have to say about architectural copies of landmarks or architectural plagiarization?
I understand Mirpur Khas is a much smaller city than Karachi and has much limited resources. But inspite of lack of funds to build a landmark of grand scale, some ingenuity of design must be practised.
This particular landmark design is just an example. Through this post, I want to raise a general question on whether copying a landmark is OK or does it leave a bad taste showing prevalent mediocrity in the society.
To me personally it leaves a bad taste. This is mediocrity and lack of ingenuity.
Following two photos are another example of copycat architecture in Pakistan. First photo is Shaikh Zyed Center in Punjab University Campus, Lahore and the photo below it is Shaikh Zayed Center at Karachi University. Both buildings are identical. I must admit that to me these buildings are beautiful and symmetric. They are far from being ugly but I do have this wish that if somebody was spending millions of rupees on construction of these huge buildings, they could’ve made their design unique too.
Shaikh Zayed Center, Punjab University, Lahore
Shaikh Zayed Center, Karachi University, Karachi
Before ending, I realize the grammatically correct title of the post should’ve been “teen talwareN aur teen khanjar” Or may be a more poetic one such as ‘talwar teri aankhen, khanjar teri nigaaheN’ but I’ve kept the title as it is to go with the common name of the monument which is ‘teen talwar’.
Photo Credits: Raja Islam and Jehangir Khan
The roundabout at the intersection of Tariq Road and Shahra-e-Quaideen has a very beautiful monument. This has been replicated time and again. I saw it in one of the army garrisons in inetrior Sind.
The two swords monument was copied by Nadeem Medical Center at the Nipa chowrangi (when I was in NED, I used to see it daily). It was demolished later ( in mid 90’s may be).
Luxor hotel in Las Vegas has copied the entire theme of pyramid and sphinx.
I think its OK. Why to reinvent wheel, just copy. ha ha
The ” teen (3) talwar” is yet to be circumcised ” khatnay honay haain” while the one in Mirpur khas is a Musalman Monument. I think someone should come up with a list of Musalman Buildings ( jin kay khatnay ho chukay haain)
It would be interesting to know some background of ‘3 talwar’. When it was built, who designed it and why this particular design.
Umar, I agree that if a replica is not meant to devalue or ridicule the original, it should be OK. The argument can be that sometimes it saves money to have similar structures built e.g. barracks, hostels, apartments etc.
I guess it boils down to personal preference in architecture. For landmarks and monuments atleast, I prefer unique designs.
photos of 2 identical buildings in Pakistan added to the post. The buildings are Shaikh Zayed Center in Karachi and Lahore. Take a look.