Contributed by Maryam Khairullah & Zainab Mohammed
Walking through the wooden doors of a building nestled in the centre of Shahrah e Liaqat in Karachi, Dawoodi Bohra community members are taken over by waves of nostalgia mingled with pride. Here stands Tayyebi Jamaat Khana, an expansive community center spread over approximately 5,000 square feet that comprises 8 halls. This year marks one hundred years since its establishment—a span of four generations and memories infinite.
Through the Years
In 1927, His Holiness Syedna Taher Saifuddin, the 51st Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community, inaugurated this space. It was constructed with the support of prominent Bohra families, and quickly became a vibrant center for spiritual, social, and communal life.
While the community’s Adam Masjid, a heritage marvel of red sandstone in the heart of the city, was under construction, Syedna Taher Saifuddin conducted the annual Ashara Mubaraka sermons at the Tayyebi Jamaat Khana in 1929. Following Pakistan’s Independence in 1947, the Jamaat Khana served as a transit camp, offering refuge to those arriving from across the border.
In 1962, it hosted the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s leadership, which was concurrent with the 50th birthday of his son and successor, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin.
The Jamaat Khana continued to host significant events, and was used as a mawaid or dining area during four Ashara Mubaraka congregations led by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, and more recently for two congregations led by the current Dai, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin. Thousands of community members have sat in these halls and some have even lodged during such annual events.
Commemoration event
But how would today’s generation know of the corridors of history that stretch within these walls? For the youth today, the Jamaat Khana may only remain as a place where one is invited for communal dining and marital ceremonies. To ensure that this rich history is preserved, an elaborate exhibit was arranged by some dedicated community members of Adam Mohalla—the locality that houses the structure—with a vision to commemorate the centennial celebrations of the Jamaat Khana.
This succeeded in ensuring that Karachi residents revitalise their sense of pride for this iconic landmark. The exhibit was set up in Ahmed Hall that once housed a grand stage complemented by folding cinema-like chairs, a sight etched in the memory of many Karachiites who have attended weddings here. The hall was transformed into two walkways flanked by numerous displays showcasing its history alongside memorable pictures that take the viewer down the memory lane.
Mohammed Husain, an Adam Mohalla resident and program coordinator shared how months of research had been put into this endeavour.
Celebrating the rich history of Tayyebi Jamaat Khana, the exhibit reconnected the Dawoodi Bohras of Karachi with a cherished history. It was a testament to the enduring legacy of a community space ensuring that future generations will remember and honour its significance.