KEY POINTS
- TİKA partners with the Punjab Directorate of Archaeology to restore the Allama Iqbal Museum.
- The project will be completed by 2027, marking Allama Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary.
- Javed Manzil, Iqbal’s former residence, will continue to showcase his personal belongings.
- The restoration underscores the deep-rooted cultural ties between Turkiye and Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark collaboration between Turkiye and Pakistan, the historic Allama Muhammad Iqbal Museum in Lahore, also known as Javed Manzil, is set to undergo a major rehabilitation, preserving the legacy of one of the subcontinent’s most revered intellectuals.
The announcement came as part of the Turkiye–Pakistan Cultural Week (28–31 October), under the patronage of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkiye.
A Letter of Intent was signed between Turkiye’s Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and the Directorate General of Archaeology, Department of Tourism, Archaeology & Museums of Punjab to restore the museum.
This monumental project aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Allama Iqbal, Pakistan’s national poet and philosopher, and strengthen the bond between the two brotherly nations.
The Javed Manzil, which was the residence of Allama Iqbal and the place of his passing, will be restored by TİKA, with completion expected in time for Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027.
The restoration will not only ensure the preservation of Iqbal’s intellectual legacy but also highlight the deep-rooted connection between Turkiye and Pakistan, two nations that share a rich cultural and historical relationship.
TİKA and @DepttTourism signed a Letter of Intention to rehabilitate Javed Manzil — the home of Pakistan’s national poet Allama Iqbal, in celebration of Türkiye-Pakistan Culture Week.
By 2027, this historic house will once again inspire both nations. 🇹🇷🤝🇵🇰#CulturalHeritage pic.twitter.com/zOB2NNaWcS
— TİKA İslamabad (@tikaislamabad) October 28, 2025
A Legacy Reborn: Preserving a Monumental History
Javed Manzil holds a unique place in Pakistani history. The building, commissioned by Allama Muhammad Iqbal in 1935, was designed as his personal residence, constructed in a European style. It stands as a testament to Iqbal’s intellectual journey and his connection to Lahore.
The house was named Javed Manzil after Iqbal’s son, Javid Iqbal, and is the only residence in Lahore that Iqbal personally owned.
Following Iqbal’s death in 1938, the building was transformed into a museum to honour his immense contribution to Pakistan’s cultural and intellectual landscape.
In 1984, the Iqbal Museum was officially inaugurated by President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, housing Iqbal’s personal belongings, manuscripts, photographs, awards, and memorabilia that chronicle his life from 1877 to 1938.
The site was listed as a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site and was declared a national monument in 1977 under the Punjab Antiquities Act of 1975, cementing its place as a cultural landmark.
Rehabilitation for a New Era
The upcoming restoration project by TİKA will ensure that the Iqbal Museum continues to serve as a hub of cultural and historical significance for future generations.
With more than 600 objects donated by Iqbal’s son, Javid Iqbal, including handwritten manuscripts, the museum tells the poignant story of a poet, philosopher, and visionary whose works resonate globally.
Turkiye’s involvement in this project is not just about the physical restoration of a building, but also about celebrating the intellectual and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The restored museum will stand as a symbol of Turkiye-Pakistan friendship, as well as a reminder of the shared values that unite these nations in their pursuit of cultural preservation and historical recognition.
With the renovation scheduled to be completed by 2027, the 150th anniversary of Allama Iqbal’s birth, the Javed Manzil will continue to inspire future generations while strengthening ties between Turkiye and Pakistan.
The rehabilitation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to protect and promote the rich cultural heritage that Allama Iqbal left behind.
Cultural Legacy for the Future
This initiative is not only about restoring a building but also about celebrating and preserving the enduring legacy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a figure who transcended borders and whose influence continues to shape the intellectual landscape of South Asia and beyond.
The collaboration between Turkiye and Pakistan ensures that Iqbal’s vision and ideas will live on, fostering a stronger, united future rooted in shared history and mutual respect.
