13-14 January 2018 – The Department of Culture, Government of Sindh, in collaboration with EFT, organised the 1st International Conference on Makli over three days in January 2018. The conference was held to highlight the architecture of Makli, its affinities, the influence of Central Asia on its construction, and above all the sociocultural values and administration of the Arghuns and Mughals.
A number of prominent local scholars and professionals presented their papers, including renowned archaeologist Dr. Rafique Mughal, Dr. Zulfiqar Kalhoro, Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari, Yasmeen Lari, Dr. G.M. Lakho, among many others. Foreign scholars included Dr. Ruth Young (University of Leicester, UK), Dr. Rand Eppich (formerly Getty Conservation Institute) and Dr. Margaret S. Graves (Indiana University, USA). While the sessions explored the historical context and architectural traditions of the site, the potential influence of this indigenous architecture on contemporary design was also discussed.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Culture Minster Syed Sardar Ali Shah and senator Sassui Palijo were also in attendance, and delivered their addresses in the inaugural session.