Abu Sufiyan[1] is an Indian cultural revivalist, experience curator, and entrepreneur known for his dedication to preserving and promoting the heritage of Old Delhi. He is the founder of Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein (PDWKB) and Tales of City, two initiatives that celebrate the historical and cultural legacy of Delhi's Shahjahanabad, commonly known as Old Delhi. Through these platforms, Sufiyan organizes heritage walks, cultural events, and food tours that offer immersive experiences of Delhi's history and foster sustainable tourism practices.

Sufiyan[1] hails from a family with Mughal and Sufi lineage in Old Delhi. He pursued engineering in Chandigarh, during which he experienced a profound sense of homesickness that rekindled his appreciation for his native city's culture and history. This emotional connection inspired him to delve deeper into the narratives of Old Delhi.

Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein

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In 2014, Sufiyan established "Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein[2]" as a Facebook page aimed at sharing stories, photographs, and anecdotes about Old Delhi. The platform quickly gained traction, evolving into a significant socio-cultural community. PDWKB organizes heritage walks, food tours, dastangoi (traditional storytelling) sessions, and cultural events that celebrate the area's historical and cultural essence.

Tales of City

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Expanding his vision beyond Old Delhi, Sufiyan founded Tales of City[3] to curate cultural experiences in other Indian cities. The platform organizes heritage walks and cultural festivals that connect visitors with local communities and encourage responsible tourism. By collaborating with historians and authors, Tales of City provides in-depth historical insights through guided experiences.

Cultural Initiatives

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Sufiyan's initiatives have been instrumental in reviving traditional practices and fostering communal harmony. He has organized iftar gatherings during Ramadan that bring together people from diverse backgrounds, exemplifying the syncretic culture of Old Delhi.[4]  Additionally, PDWKB conducts events like heritage walks and food festivals, offering participants immersive experiences into the city's past and culinary heritage.[5]

Media Recognition

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Abu Sufiyan's work has garnered significant media attention, which has elevated his efforts to preserve Old Delhi's heritage:

  • BBC Urdu featured him in a segment on Ramadan in Old Delhi, where he discussed the cultural traditions that define the area's identity.[6]
  • National Geographic cast Sufiyan alongside Gary Mehigan in an episode of India's Mega Festivals, where he guided viewers through Ramadan celebrations in Old Delhi, showcasing the traditions and foods associated with Eid.[7]

Sufiyan's efforts have garnered attention from various media outlets. His work with PDWKB has been featured in publications such as BBC,[8] TRT World[8] The New Indian Express, highlighting his role in rejuvenating Old Delhi's culture.[9]  He has also been involved in discussions regarding heritage conservation and the significance of preserving historical narratives in the face of urban development.[10]

Collaboration with Rana Safvi

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Notably, Sufiyan collaborated with historian and author Rana Safvi on her book "Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi." His contributions provided valuable insights into the contemporary cultural landscape of Old Delhi, enriching the narrative with firsthand experiences and observations.[11]

Culinary Initiatives and Cultural Revival

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Through Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein, Sufiyan has championed Old Delhi's culinary heritage. His food tours introduce visitors to iconic local dishes, such as kebabs and pulao, with historical context. In collaboration with The Big Forker,[12] he presented authentic Afghani cuisine at Mazaar, explaining its cultural significance in Old Delhi.[13]

Personal Life

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Beyond his cultural endeavors, Sufiyan manages a technology company. His multifaceted career reflects a blend of technological acumen and a deep-seated passion for cultural preservation.[1]

Impact and Legacy

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Through Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein and Tales of City, Abu Sufiyan has played a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving Delhi's architectural and cultural legacy. His initiatives promote communal harmony and emphasize sustainable tourism, fostering connections among locals and visitors.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Abu Sufiyan's Purani Dilli Walo Ki Batein rejuvenates a culture on brink of extinction". www.awazthevoice.in.
  2. ^ "About Us | Purani Dilli Walo Ki Baatein". Puranidilliwaley.
  3. ^ "Tales of City Discover the Best Experiences in Delhi, Agra, Varanasi Jaipur, Mumbai and beyond | Heritage Walks | Food Walks | Curated Events | Dastarkhan | Mehfils | Experiential Tours and more". Tales Of City.
  4. ^ https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/eid-mubarak-in-india-the-festival-transcends-the-barriers-of-religion/story-YyYLvJs8gqnekEGHwnZbnM.html
  5. ^ Chadha, Anjani (April 26, 2022). "Relishing authentic 'Old Delhi' flavours". The New Indian Express.
  6. ^ "Old Delhi: How is Ramadan observed in the oldest streets of India? - BBC URDU". April 20, 2022 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "The Holy Celebrations of Eid! | India's Mega Festivals | National Geographic". September 29, 2023 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ a b Sunder, Kalpana. "How heritage walks are reviving interest in Delhi's Muslim history". How heritage walks are reviving interest in Delhi's Muslim history.
  9. ^ "Abu Sufiyan's Purani Dilli Walo Ki Batein rejuvenates a culture on brink of extinction | Mpositive.in". February 28, 2023.
  10. ^ https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/north-civic-body-drops-move-to-rename-hauz-qazi-in-old-delhi-after-uproar-by-residents-101646853581594.html
  11. ^ Awasthi, Akshaj (January 12, 2020). "Rana Safvi's history of Shahjahanabad is as much about its inhabitants as about its grand buildings". Scroll.in.
  12. ^ Forkers, The Big. "The Big Forkers - Food Show, Food Review, Online Video Channel". The Big Forkers.
  13. ^ "Uncover Delhi's Best Kebab and the Origins of Pulao at Mazaar | Authentic Afghani". August 23, 2024 – via YouTube.
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