Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Jamalpur Shahi Mosque
[post_id] => 5819
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/zamalpur-shahi-mosque/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DSC090871-300x225.jpg
[post_content] =>
Jamalpur Shahi Mosque is one of the oldest mosque in Gaibandha district. It was built by Hazrat Maulana Shah Jamal (R). There are no specific inscription behind the proper construction period of this mosque. There is a Folklore that a war had been occurred between Hazrat Shah Jamal and contemporary Hindu Raja Khirodhar (ক্ষীরোধার) where Raja Khirodhar was defeated by Shah Jamal (R). For preserving this victory, Hazrat Shah Zamal (R) built this mosque just in one night.
The people who are living here, have strongly believe about this Myth. There is also a pond in front of the mosque which was also built by Shah Zamal in one night.
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Chowk Bazar Shahi Mosque
[post_id] => 9953
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/chowk-bazar-shahi-mosque/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/P_20150610_1310241-169x300.jpg
[post_content] =>
Chowk Bazar Shahi Mosque also known as Chowk Mosque is one of the oldest Mosques in Dhaka. It is located in the Chowk Bazar area of the old town of Dhaka, south to the current city center.
The mosque was constructed in 1676 by Subahdar Shayesta Khan (সুবাহদার শায়েস্তা খান). It is called ‘Shahi Mosque’ as it is founded by Subahdar Shayesta Khan. The mosque is built above a raised platform. The three domed mosque above the platform, now transformed into a multi-storied structure was originally a copy of Shayesta Khan's another three domed mosque at the Mitford Hospital compound near the Buriganga River. Some square shaped rooms may be built for Imam and for students of the Madrashah. As a result of several renovation & reconstruction work, this mosque has lost its ancient original view.
History: This Mosque was constructed in 1676, as noted by an inscription in the Persian language over a gateway. The inscription attributes the project to Subahdar Shaista Khan. So far, this is known as the earliest dated mosque in the History of Muslim Architecture in Bengal, built on a high vaulted platform. Its architectural design was perhaps influenced by Tughlaq Architectures; such as Khirki Masjid or Kalan Mosque of Delhi. Influenced by this structure, some other mosques were built in Dhaka and Murshidabad.
Architectural Properties: The western half of the 3.05 meter high vaulted platform (28.65 meter from north to south and 24.38 meter from east to west) is occupied by the original three-domed mosque. It measures, inclusive of the four octagonal towers on the exterior angles, 16.15 meter by 7.92 meter. There are three four-centered archways in the east, all opening out under half-domed vaults. The half-domed vault of the central archway still contains beautiful Muqarnas works in stucco.
Corresponding to the three eastern entrances, there are three Mihrabs inside the west wall, all now redesigned. The central mihrab still has a semi-octagonal aperture, while its flanking counterparts are rectangular in design. The mihrabs are now all studded with lustrous pieces of enamel. The rectangular frames enclosing the mihrabs are now topped by rows of painted cresting. The floor of the mosque is now laid with marble.
Three bays divides interior view of this Mosque- the central one square shaped and the side ones are rectangular. All these bays were covered with domes, the central one being bigger than its flanking counterparts. This can be deduced from the newly built three-domed prayer chamber exactly above the original one, where the central dome has been kept larger than the side ones.
The vaulted rooms, all round underneath the platform, are either square or rectangular in shape. Many of them are now let out to shopkeepers and others are still being used as accommodation. The under ceilings of these rooms are flat on the top and barrel-shaped at the sides.
Very uniquely designed and Space utilized Madrasa & Mosque: The promenade around the three domed prayer chamber, since there was no separate structure for study purpose, might have been used for open-air classes and the vaulted room with book-shelves on their walls underneath the platform may have been designed to provide residential accommodation for those who used to teach and study here. In that perspective, Chawk Mosque may be regarded as the first known example of Residential Madrasa Mosque.
It is an ingenious way of accommodating two structures-a madrasa and a mosque in a single building which not only saved space but also a considerable amount of money.
)
[2] => Array
(
[name] => Single domed Mosque and Tomb of Shah Mansur
[post_id] => 5775
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/single-domed-mosque-and-tomb-of-shah-mansur/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DSC_02161-300x199.jpg
[post_content] =>
In every single part of Bangladesh there are some Archaeological & Historical remains, which has enriched our cultural history. Lack of awareness and proper knowledge in common people results in gradual ruining of many Historical & Archaeological sites in our country.
One of the great example of deteriorations of an Archaeological site in Narsingdi district is ‘Single domed Mosque and Tomb of Shah Mansur’ located at Kumradi, Shibpur upazila.
It was built in eighteenth century by a Muslim saint named Shah Mansur. In course of time, the existence of the mosque is totally replaced by a new built Madrasa. But, still now the remaining of ‘Tomb of Shan Mansur’ is existing, although it is hard to assume how the original structure was.
Architectural Property and Layout:
Tomb of Shah Mansur, A massive structure which is architecturally rich and decorated with different kinds of design. It is in rectangular shape and built in very unique way. In the western wall of this building there are five arch shaped entrance, among them middle one is open and decorated with multi foil design. Others are Closed arch & also contains the same design like the opened one. The southern side of the tomb is severely disturbed, broken and ruined. Main entrance of the tomb is totally vanished, but still we can observe some three archways very close to the grave of Shah Mansur. It seems like there are two grave inside the building. We assume that other grave might be Shah Mansur’s wife.
There is another unique structure situated in the southern side of the tomb. It is just a square shaped Minar containing open space inside of it, in the roof top it contains a bulbous shaped dome. It has four arch shaped ways in four brick wall.
In the most eastern part of this tomb there is a large pond. Which is probably same years old as the tomb is.
Myth related to this Structure:
There are several myths interrelated with this feature. People say that Shah Mansur used to pet a tiger inside of square shaped structure which is situated in the eastern side of the tomb. Although, It’s a myth but it contains some evidences which might prove it true. Inside of this square shaped structure there are two iron’s ring attached with brick wall.
And it is also said, Once there were some big fishes in the pond. Local people believe that, those fish were actually cursed human being and for this reason they buried those death fish in a grave yard near to Pond.
Present Condition and Immediate Conservation Issue:
Present condition of the features situated in this complex is in very sensitive condition. One domed Mosque built by Shah Mansur is vanished and a new Madrasa replacing it. The tomb of Shah Mansur is near to destruction. The whole brick building contains several banyan tree and different species of trees.
The unique square shaped Minar is also near to ruin. Beside this structure there is bathroom built very recently for Madrasa students.
Immediate steps should be taken to conserve and preserve these features from its deterioration.
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => {:en}Bozra Shahi Mosque{:}{:bn}বজরা শাহী মসজিদ{:}
[post_id] => 1220
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/places/bozra-shahi-mosque/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Bazra-Shahi-Mosque-Noakhali-01-300x225.jpg
[post_content] => {:en}
Bozra Shahi Mosque is an elegant historic mosque. Amanullah built it during the 1741-42 AD and later it was repaired by the Bazra Zamindar named Khan Bahadur Ali Ahmad and Khan Bahadur Mujir Uddin Ahmad. This mosque has similar complexion of the mosques during that era. The main difference is the stylish outer walls. It has three domes at the top; the middle dome is slight larger.
Also it has lot of small minarets at the columns of the mosque. It has three doorways at the eastern side, just under the domes. The mosque had a large water tank at the eastern side, but now it’s just shrinking into one percent of its original size. Southern side of the mosque has a large graveyard.
{:}{:bn}
একটি চমৎকার ঐতিহাসিক মসজিদের নাম বজরা শাহী মসজিদ। ১৭৪১-৪২ সালে জনৈক আমানুল্লাহ এই মসজিদটি নির্মাণ করেন এবং পরবর্তীতে বজরার জমিদার খান বাহাদুর আলী আহমাদ এবং খান বাহাদুর মুজিরউদ্দিন আহমাদ এই মসজিদটি মেরামত করেন। সেসময়কার অন্যান্য মসজিদের সাথে এই মসজিদটির স্থাপত্যশৈলীতে মিল থাকলেও বাইরের নকশা করা দেয়ালে মূল পার্থক্য পরিলক্ষিত হয়। মসজিদের তিনটি গম্বুজের মধ্যে মাঝখানের গম্বুজটি সামান্য বড়। মসজিদের খামগুলোর সাথে বেশকিছু ছোট মিনার রয়েছে। মসজিদের পূর্বদিকে গম্বুজের নীচেই তিনটি ফটক রয়েছে। মসজিদের পূর্বদিকে একটি বড় পানির ট্যাংক ছিল তবে বর্তমানে সেটির আকার অনেক ছোট। মসজিদের দক্ষিনদিকে একটি বড় কবরস্থান রয়েছে।
{:}
)
)
