Pakistan - Port of Banbhore

The Site of Banbhore is located on the Northern Bank of Gharo Creak, 65 Kilometre East of Karachi. It has a sequence from the first century BC to the thirteenth century AD. Whilst its earlier phases are waterlogged, the site’s surface remains represent the best preserved early Islamic urban form in South Asia and the region’s best preserved mediaeval port. The port’s plan consist of five main zones, the most impressive of which, a 10 meters high mound, stand on the shore of the creek itself. Measuring 610 by 305 meters, the mound is delineated by a 3 meters wide limestone fortification wall with 46 rounded bastions and 3 gates. The latter appear to be connected to a grid-iron arrangement of streets. An interior wall divides the mound into a Western and Eastern Sector, with the floor plans of major structures preserved on the surface of the latter half. These largest of these have been identified as a mosque, administrative quarter and serai or inn. The ground plan of its stone-built mosque is particularly well preserved and consisted of a square, plan measuring 34 by 35 meter with a central open courtyard surrounded by cloisters.