Handcrafted Wooden Doors Preserve Multan’s Heritage
Handcrafted Wooden Doors Preserve Multan’s Heritage
Published September 06, 2026 | 11:40 AM
MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2026) In the narrow streets of interior Multan, where centuries-old houses still preserve the city’s architectural character, hundreds of carved wooden doors continue to stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era of craftsmanship.
Many of these doors are believed to be a century old or even older. Made by local craftsmen from durable indigenous trees, they were designed not merely as entrances to homes but as strong, decorative structures reflecting the skill, taste, and economic standing of their owners. Even today, some of these remarkable doors remain intact despite decades of exposure to weather and daily use. Their intricate carvings, heavy wooden panels, traditional ironwork, and distinctive locks demonstrate a level of craftsmanship that has become increasingly rare.
According to Amir Bashir, an official guide of the Walled City Authority, interior Multan contains hundreds of houses where such traditional wooden doors have survived for generations. He said the doors were generally made from locally available woods such as kikar and sheesham, selected for their strength and durability. “These doors were built to last for generations,” Amir Bashir said, adding that their beauty was considered as important as their strength. Elaborate patterns were carved into the wood by hand, while iron fittings were incorporated to reinforce the doors and provide additional security.
Geometric panels, floral motifs, intertwined designs, and traditional decorative patterns cover many of the doors’ surfaces. Some doors also feature heavily carved frames, adding to their visual appeal and giving each entrance a distinctive character.
The use of iron was another important feature of traditional Multani doors. Heavy iron bands, studs, hinges, chains, and traditional latches were used to strengthen the wooden structures. Instead of modern locks, these houses often relied on large and distinctive “kundas” and other traditional fastening mechanisms. Some doors also feature a smaller opening within or beside the main entrance. Such arrangements allowed residents to enter or communicate without opening the large main door, combining security with everyday practicality.
Amir Bashir said the design and quality of a house’s main entrance could often provide clues about the financial status of the family living inside. Wealthier families could afford larger doors with more elaborate carvings and expensive ironwork, turning the entrance itself into a statement of social standing, he shared.
The doors also carried elements of the cultural and religious identity of their occupants. According to Amir Bashir, some families had religious symbols, inscriptions, or other identifying motifs carved into their doors. These details became part of the architectural identity of individual homes and neighborhoods.
One of the most distinctive examples can be found in Bagh Veera, a unique neighborhood inside Multan’s old city walls.