Final Year Project

Project Title

Noori Baba Kay Han Haziri: Negotiating Faith and Everyday Politics at Karachi’s Shrine

Description

My research project examined the social life surrounding the Noori Shah Baba shrine in Tin Hatti, Karachi. Using ethnographic methods such as participant observation, interviews, and photography, I studied how visitors, vendors, shrine staff, and beggars interact in the space. While most existing research focuses on large shrines, this project explored a smaller shrine to understand how spirituality, commerce, and everyday social life intersect. The study found that shrines act as a miniature of Karachi city itself, where gender, class, and religious identities shape people's experiences and interactions. Conducting this research strengthened my cultural sensitivity, qualitative research skills, and ability to work and connect with diverse communities.