As World Heritage Week kicks off on November 19, Ahmedabad, recognized as the inaugural Indian city on the UNESCO World Heritage list, serves as an embodiment of coexistence. Few urban areas globally showcase centuries of Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Christian, Parsi, and even Jewish heritage within a compact area.

The narrow streets of the old city are adorned with domes, minarets, shikharas, fire temples, synagogues, and church spires, narrating a tale of a locale where diversity is not merely a catchphrase, but a lifestyle woven into the fabric of daily existence.

Established in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, the old city was initially planned as a fortified stronghold by the Sabarmati River. However, it soon transformed into an extraordinary shared environment, where communities thrived in pols—interconnected neighborhoods that harmonized cultural uniqueness with social unity.

Over the years, these pols have evolved into vibrant microcosms of pluralism. A Jain derasar coexists beside a Sufi shrine; a Haveli embellished with Hindu motifs is just a few steps away from a historic mosque; and hidden within Khamasa, the Magen Abraham Synagogue quietly safeguards the Jewish legacy in Gujarat.

James Forbes, a British officer and author of Oriental Memoirs in the 1780s, remarked, “Ahmedabad stands as a splendid monument of Mahmud Begada’s glory… temples, mosques, caravanserais, and palaces rise proudly, narrating tales of eras filled with prosperity.”

The city's earliest monuments, including the Jama Masjid, Rani Sipri Mosque, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque with its iconic Tree of Life jaali, and the Teen Darwaza, epitomize the brilliance of Islamic architecture, seamlessly integrating Hindu craftsmanship.

Nearby, visitors can find some of India’s most decorative Jain temples, like the Hutheesing Jain Temple, famed for its intricate marble latticework and impressive manastambha. The presence of Swaminarayan temples, including the 19th-century Kalupur Swaminarayan Mandir, contributes another dimension to the spiritual landscape, showcasing the sect’s exquisite wooden carvings and vibrant iconography.

Christianity, introduced to Gujarat by European traders and missionaries, has left its mark in the form of historic churches established by the British and Portuguese, particularly in the Cantonment and Raikhad locales. The Parsi Zoroastrian community, whose arrival in Gujarat dates back over a thousand years, also found refuge in the old city, with their tranquil fire temples symbolizing one of the world’s oldest faiths.

The Jewish Bene Israel community has also made its presence felt, with the Magen Abraham Synagogue, built in 1934, still hosting occasional prayers and safeguarding its ancient Torah scrolls. What sets Ahmedabad apart is not merely the existence of these sites, but how they coexist as part of a unified ecosystem.

The morning 'aartis' harmonize with the call to prayer, Jain monks stroll through paths where Christian bells chime, and families from diverse backgrounds visit each other's shops and festivals.

UNESCO acknowledged this living heritage, recognizing not just the monuments but also a city where intangible cultural practices thrive alongside its architecture. The pol system, artisanal traditions, stepwells, intricately carved havelis, and local shrines collectively form a heritage that is as social as it is structural.

In a time when urban areas globally grapple with identity and unity, Ahmedabad’s old city continues to be a rare, operational example of pluralism—centuries-old yet vibrantly alive. As World Heritage Week unfolds, the streets of Manek Chowk, Dariyapur, Khadia, Kalupur, and Jamalpur offer more than just history; they present a reminder that coexistence can be both ordinary and beautiful when a city embraces all.