Hyderabad: Ghulam Yazdani, one of Hyderabad’s most well-known figures in the legal field, passed away at the age of 98 on May 28. He was also the father-in-law of Khaja Moizuddin, the advocate who was killed last week in a fatal hit-and-run case, which the family attributes to the ‘Waqf mafia’. With Yazdani’s death, the city has lost another person from the generation born before 1948.
According to the family of the late advocate, Ghulam Yazdani was undergoing treatment but could not bear the shocking news of the murder of his son-in-law, with whom he lived. “The mortal remains will be kept at Jaweed Maskan, Hill Fort, Naubat Pahad and then taken to his Gunfoundry home at 10 AM,” the family said.
The funeral prayers will be offered at the Jama Masjid-e-Aliya, Gunfoundry, in Hyderabad after the Namaz-e-Juma. Yazdani had long been associated with organizations that worked for the improvement of the city’s culture.
In 2019, he was given a lifetime achievement award by the Jeddah – Khak E Taiba Trust (KTT), a non-profit community service organization in Saudi Arabia. More importantly, Ghulam Yazdani also wrote a book titled ‘Hyderabad.. Down Memory Lane’, which was written in Urdu and translated into English. The book is a large collection of oral history and stories from his life, and is available for purchase on Amazon.
Son-in-law’s murder
Moizuddin, Yazdani’s 63-year-old son-in-law and lawyer, was about to get into his car when an SUV without a license plate hit him at his residence in Masab Tank, Hyderabad. Moizuddin was rushed to a hospital but died while undergoing treatment, police said.
Video footage of the man being hit by a car went viral. Moizuddin’s son said his father was fighting against encroachment and the grabbing of land by certain individuals, whom he alleged were behind the incident.
Five attempts had been made earlier on his father, he said, adding that the alleged waqf encroachers threatened him to persuade his father to stop fighting the cases against them.
Jaweed Maskan
Jaweed Maskan is a historic residential neighborhood in the old city of Kandahar, Afghanistan, known for its traditional Afghan architecture and cultural significance. The area dates back centuries and has served as a hub for local communities, with its name reflecting a sense of “generous dwelling” in the Pashto language. Despite damage from conflicts, it remains a symbol of Kandahar’s rich heritage and resilience.
Hill Fort
A hill fort is a type of fortified settlement built on a raised area, such as a hill or plateau, to take advantage of natural defensive features. These structures were commonly constructed during the Bronze and Iron Ages across Europe and Asia, serving as refuges, tribal centers, and military strongholds. Many hill forts, like Maiden Castle in England, show evidence of continuous occupation and modification over centuries, reflecting the evolving needs of their communities.
Naubat Pahad
Naubat Pahad, located in the city of Varanasi, India, is a historic hill site associated with the Mughal era. It is named after the “naubat” (a type of drum) that was traditionally played here to mark the time of day or important royal announcements. Today, the site is known for its scenic views of the Ganges River and offers a quiet retreat from the bustling city, though
Jaweed Maskan
Jaweed Maskan is a historic neighborhood in the city of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is known for its traditional Kashmiri architecture and its connection to the region’s cultural heritage, featuring old wooden houses and narrow lanes. The area has roots dating back several centuries and reflects the blend of Islamic and indigenous influences that have shaped the local way of life.
Hill Fort
A hill fort is a type of fortified settlement built on a raised area of land, often used for defense in prehistoric and ancient times. These structures were common across Europe, including the British Isles, where many were constructed during the Iron Age (c. 800 BCE–100 CE). Hill forts typically featured earthworks, such as ramparts and ditches, and served as refuges for local communities during conflict, as well as centers for trade and social activity.
Naubat Pahad
Naubat Pahad is a hill located in the city of Varanasi, India, historically known for its association with the sounds of *naubat* (ceremonial drums) that were played from its peak to mark royal and religious occasions. The site is also linked to the ancient Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, who is said to have composed part of his works while inspired by the hill’s serene atmosphere. Today, it remains a peaceful spot offering panoramic views of the Ganges River and the surrounding temples.
Gunfoundry
Gunfoundry is a historic cannon and artillery manufacturing facility located in Hyderabad, India, established in the late 18th century by the Nizam of Hyderabad under the rule of Mir Nizam Ali Khan. It was a key center for producing military weapons, including the famous “Kati Bura” cannon, and played a significant role in the region’s defense. Today, the site stands as a heritage landmark, reflecting Hyderabad’s rich industrial and military history.
Jama Masjid-e-Aliya, Gunfoundry
Jama Masjid-e-Aliya in Gunfoundry, Hyderabad, is a historic mosque built during the 19th century under the patronage of the Nizam of Hyderabad. It was constructed to serve the local Muslim community and stands as a notable example of Islamic architecture in the area. The mosque remains an active place of worship and a cultural landmark, reflecting the region’s rich heritage under the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Masab Tank
Masab Tank is a prominent neighborhood in Hyderabad, India, named after a large water tank (reservoir) built during the rule of the Nizams. The area was developed in the early 20th century and is now a major commercial and residential hub, known for its bustling streets and as the location of the historic Mir Alam Mandi market. Its name reflects the region’s historical reliance on water storage systems before modern plumbing became widespread.
