Sixty Dome Mosque is in Bangladesh: A Timeless Architectural Marvel
The Sixty Dome Mosque, locally known as “Shat Gombuj Masjid,” is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Bangladesh. This historical mosque is located in the southern region of the country and stands as one of the largest and most significant ancient mosques in South Asia. Here’s a detailed look into the Sixty Dome Mosque, its history, and how you can visit this fascinating site.
What is the Sixty Dome Mosque?
The Sixty Dome Mosque is an ancient mosque built during the 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali, a revered Muslim saint and local ruler. Despite its name, the mosque doesn’t have sixty domes but rather seventy-seven. The misinterpretation likely arose from the mosque’s unique design, where the prayer hall features sixty stone pillars that support the roof, which is crowned with a series of beautifully constructed domes.
This mosque is an exemplary model of medieval Muslim architecture in Bengal, blending the elements of Islamic, Tughlaq, and Bengali styles. Its impressive structure, along with the intricate terracotta decorations, makes it one of the finest historical sites in Bangladesh.
Where is the Sixty Dome Mosque?
The Sixty Dome Mosque is situated in Bagerhat, a small town in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. Bagerhat is located around 40 kilometers southeast of Khulna, one of the major cities in the country, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “The Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat.” The entire area is filled with other significant Islamic monuments, but the Sixty Dome Mosque remains the centerpiece of this ancient city.
Facts about the Sixty Dome Mosque
- Historical Importance: Built between 1442 and 1459 AD, the mosque was part of a larger city founded by Khan Jahan Ali, a prominent figure who played a key role in spreading Islam in the region.
- Architectural Marvel: The mosque’s layout features a large prayer hall supported by sixty stone pillars and crowned by seventy-seven low domes. The central dome, along with the surrounding structures, showcases the incredible masonry skills of the era.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The mosque was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, in recognition of its architectural splendor and historical significance.
- Restoration Efforts: Over the years, the mosque has undergone several restoration projects to preserve its unique structure, making it one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Bangladesh.
- Religious Significance: Though primarily a historical monument, the mosque is still used as a place of worship today. It is a major attraction for both tourists and devotees.
How to Go to the Sixty Dome Mosque
Getting to the Sixty Dome Mosque is relatively easy for both domestic and international visitors. Here’s a guide to reaching this historic site:
- By Air: If you’re traveling from Dhaka (the capital of Bangladesh), you can fly to Jessore or Khulna, the nearest airports. From either of these airports, you can take a bus or a private car to Bagerhat, which takes about 3-4 hours.
- By Road: You can also take a bus from Dhaka to Khulna, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. From Khulna, Bagerhat is just a short 1-hour drive. There are also direct buses from Dhaka to Bagerhat.
- By Boat: For a more scenic journey, you can take a river cruise from Dhaka to Khulna, which will give you a unique experience of Bangladesh’s picturesque riversides. From Khulna, you can reach Bagerhat by road.
Once you arrive in Bagerhat, the Sixty Dome Mosque is located in an area called Khalifatabad, which is well signposted. Local rickshaws or taxis can take you to the mosque.
Conclusion
The Sixty Dome Mosque stands as an enduring symbol of Bangladesh’s architectural grandeur and religious history. Visiting this mosque is not just about seeing an ancient structure, but also about experiencing a piece of history that has shaped the culture of the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a traveler looking for a unique cultural experience, the Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat is an unmissable destination in Bangladesh.
