Michelle Fatima
Ranikot Fort, the “Queen of Forts” is located near the Jamshoro District and is often dubbed as the “Great Wall of Sindh”. Moreover, the magnificent fort is also known as World’s Largest Fort due to the impressive circumference it covers. It sure enjoys a lot of nicknames as visitors cannot contain their awe when looking at the historical beauty.
It is believed that the landmark was built in the 19th century by the Talpur Clan according to Sindhi archaeologists while others suggest the Persians or Arabs. It has since been standing with unbelievable valor and splendor. The fort takes on an amber color as soon as it is hit by rays of sunshine, which compliments the lemony-tinted sand grains which surround the place.
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According to numerous tourism websites, the fort’s purpose is unknown as the identity of the makers is ambiguous. Isobel Shaw, the author of the famous book “Pakistan Handbook” writes, “The size of Ranikot defies all reasons. It stands in the middle of nowhere, defending nothing,”
The fort bears an uncanny resemblance to the Great Wall of China as it also wounds between a series of mountains. It is accessible through a four-wheeler jeep as the terrain is rugged and it is difficult to access it through a car and an overnight stay can also be made possible, it seems.
Despite the conflicts regarding its real purpose, the fort holds great importance for Pakistan and its people not only because of its beauty, but the long and tiring journey that it has traveled through time yet it still manages to stand.
Therefore, it is integral for the promotion of the fort, to preserve it as a tourist destination. As the fort is situated close to the city of Jamshoro, it is possible for the citizens to start their own tourism-related businesses over there in order to attract visitors.
While the fort is a heritage site which has received recognition from international organizations, it still longs for attention from its own people.
