Pakistan’s city of Multan is believed to be 5,000 years old and is also known as the city of tombs.
This tomb belongs to Sheikh Rukmudin Abdul Fateh, famously known as Shah Rukne Alam. A living example of Tughlaq architecture, it is believed to have been built between 1320-1324 by Riyasat-ud-din Tughlaq.
Besides its beauty, stories attached to the tomb attract visitors here in large numbers.
Legends have it that Riyasat-ud-din Tughlaq wanted to be buried near the tomb of Sufi Baha-ud-din Zakariya. However, he died in Delhi in India and was buried there.
Riyasat-ud-din’s son Sultan Mohammad bin Tughlaq later made this tomb. The tomb, which is octagonal in shape can be seen from miles away in the city.
World heritage
Shah Rukne Alam tomb is in the tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage site. Its building blocks are baked bricks while pillars are made of Sheesham wood.
Perhaps the tomb has lasted centuries because of these materials. This tomb has mosaic tiles in blue and white color and also has carvings in geometric pattern including stars, crossings, pentagons and hexagons.
Shah Rukne Alam underwent renovation in 1971. Fascinated by the numerous stories surrounding it, more than 1 billion tourists visit this tomb every year.
