The European styled architecture of the Dawoodi Bohra havelis in Siddhpur is a fusion of French and Italian influences. A new photo exhibition will showcase the town’s  architectural charm and its rich past. These living spaces of the community represent a nostalgic visual of the bygone days. Pic courtesy/ Abuzar N Zakir & Saifee Merchant

What: Author Abuzar Zakir is writing a short book on Siddhpur & The Dawoodi Bohras, set for a July 2015 release. It includes a short history on the rich heritage and culture of Siddhpur, in north Gujarat, along with a pictorial tour of the town and how it transcended from Old Siddhpur of vernacular basic architecture to a Siddhpur of high Renaissance architecture. The havelis and palaces owned by Siddhpur’s Dawoodi Bohras have been influenced by french and Italian styles of architecture. As a prelude to the launch, a project in the form of a photo exhibition featuring Siddhpur Heritage and its Palatial Havelis, is underway.