Balochistan: Mehr-e-Shahar

This shirt celebrates Balochistan’s heritage with traditional patterns, the Balochi word “Vshey,” and symbols of culture and education. The back features the ‘Suroz’ instrument, poetic lines, and vintage imagery, creating a textured homage to Balochi tradition.

Front:

This shirt is a tribute to Balochistan, featuring the word “Vshey” in Balochi, accompanied by a cactus symbolising the region. Beside the cactus is a small child engrossed in a book, highlighting the value of education. The center of the shirt is designed with a screen-printed Balochi pattern, meticulously cut and printed to reflect the rich heritage of Balochistan’s old traditions. If you look closely, the pattern showcases artwork inspired by Balochi old culture.

Back:

The back of the shirt continues the cultural narrative with a vintage-style Balochi pattern, designed to appear worn and faded in some areas, representing the passage of time and the endurance of tradition. The centerpiece of the back is an illustration of the ‘Suroz,’ a traditional Balochi instrument, adorned with photographs I have captured of Balochistan, reflecting the province’s landscapes and people. The line from Manzoor Bismil’s poetry, “Ma’n Badshahi ya’n balke wati hayal e taha,” is elegantly displayed at the bottom, (Translated by Sharaf Shad in English). The fabric in this area will be cut and then stitched like a patch, adding a distinct textured element to the shirt’s design.