The Rich History of the Empress Market

The Empress Market was built between 1884 and 1889. It was Inaugurated in 1889, in the European Quarters as it was known in those years.

The market was built on a place where freedom fighters of the 1857 War of Freedom were blown away by the British Cannons.

The goods sold in the market

Named after Queen Victoria, The Empress of India, it was built and designed for the members of the British government and soldiers who lived in Saddar.

The shops inside sold meat, fruit, vegetables, and other household goods. It was surrounded by posh cafes and restaurants where locals were not allowed. You can take it as a Victorian-era Dolmen Mall.

Designing

It was designed by James Strachan, the foundations were completed by the English firm of A.J.Attfield and constructed by the local firm of Mahmood Niwan and Dullo Khejoo.

The building was arranged around a courtyard 130 ft by 100 ft, with four galleries each 46 ft wide. The galleries provided space for 280 shows and stalls each. At the time of construction, it was one of the total seven markets of the city.

Over the decades

Over the century the Empress Market evolved into a labyrinth of carts, shops, and hawkers that mushroomed out in the surroundings of the market.

Markets like the Empress Market are the lifeblood of the working class. Empress Market is a landmark destination for the city’s trade and transport.

The market in the 2010s

In 2016_2020 the mayor of the city started the project of the restoration of this historic landmark.  In 2019 with the help of World Bank funding, the demolition of the encroachments started.

The beautification plan for the building and surrounding was carried out. Now it has been restored in its full glory. It is the most popular and busy market in Karachi.

Commodities sold in the market are fruits, vegetables, meat, stationery, textiles, and pet shops.

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