It was built in the 17thcentury as a fishing village, and later, under British control, gained importance with the construction of a port in the 19thcentury. In 1914, Karachi was the largest grain exporting port of the British Empire. An airport was built in 1924 which turned the city into an important trade center. When Karachi gained independence in 1947, it was already an important city in Pakistan. Today, Karachi is a major tourist destination and this mystical city is an exclusive vacation destination with its modern streets and charming architecture.