Maktaba in Old Delhi’s Urdu Bazaar closed, kabab counter set outside
The news of Maktaba Jamia showroom in Urdu Bazar, Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, being permanently closed left netizens and Urdu lovers in shock after the photo was posted by well-known Urdu journalist Masoom Muradabadi.
The words spread fast in the virtual world with many picking up his photo and reposting it.
“Now kabab and tikka are being roasted just outside the historic bookshop that attracted great Urdu scholars till recently,” wrote India Muslim History handle on X, formerly twitter.
Maktaba Jamia, publishing house, was established in 1922. It was known for publishing high quality literature in Urdu for the commoners.
Founded by late Dr Zakir Hussain, among the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia, the Maktaba gained popularity owing to its publication of high quality literature for the general public, along with scholarly books.
The one in Old Delhi, now closed, is known to be among the oldest.
ALSO READ:
Watch: Today I went to Maktaba Jamia for Payame Taleem but what I saw was sad: Jamia alumnus
It is not known whether this outlet is linked with Jamia Millia Islamia.
The closure of the Maktaba a few days ago was raised by senior Urdu journalist Masoom Moradabadi. He reported that the only staffer who managed the shop for years has retired, according to TOI report.
