Array
(
[0] => Array
(
[name] => Baparipara Shahi Mosque
[post_id] => 6310
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/bn/places/baparipara-shahi-masjid/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Baparipara-Shahi-Masjid-300x200-300x200.jpg
[post_content] =>
Baparipara Shahi Mosque is located at 1 km distance from Rajarhat Upazila of Kurigram district. The Mosque length is 32 feet and width is 10 feet. It is surrounded by 3 ft high wall. There are 3 door, 1 decorated gate, 2 tower and 4 high tower situated on the four corner of the Mosque. On the center of the roof, there are three big domes. There are no inscription found about the Mosque. From its architectural sign, you can guess Baparipara Shahi Mosque is around 200 year old.
[This spot needs more detail. If you have more information and photos, please be advised to add in our website. Your name will be published as a Content Contributor]
)
[1] => Array
(
[name] => Chowk Bazar Shahi Mosque
[post_id] => 9953
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/bn/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] => Softhori Mosque
[post_id] => 3104
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/bn/places/softhori-mosque/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Softhori-Mosque-212x300.gif
[post_content] =>
Softhori Mosque is located at center of Atwari-Boda road and the bounding line of Atwari and Thakurgaon sub-district of Panchagarh. It is the oldest mosque of the district. A person name Sudharu Saha was established Softhori Mosque. No actual information about its formation date. But there is similarity between Softhori Mosque and dome mosque at Mugrapara in Sonargaon in Narayanganj district.
It was built during the Sultani time, in 1478. For the similarity between two mosques it is assumed that Solthori Mosque was established during the Sultani time. Squire Shape Solthori Mosque has only twelve ft. width walls, with no specific place for the Imam. Hence the entry door is very low and only 5 people can pray together once. In the north and south side there are two small door. The wide compound of the front has an arch. Now the arch has changed its real look. The walls is designed with flower and leafs. The Softhori Mosque was affected by earthquake, but was reconstructed in 2007.
)
[3] => Array
(
[name] => Khwaja Shahbaz Mosque and Tomb
[post_id] => 7357
[post_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/bn/places/khwaja-shahbaz-mosque-and-tomb/
[thumb_link] => http://offroadbangladesh.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Khwaja-Shahbaz-Mosque-and-Tomb31-300x240.jpg
[post_content] =>
Khwaja Shahbaz, the founder of the mosque was a prominent merchant of Dhaka. In fact, prominent is not the paragon for him. People used to call him as "Merchant of Prince". According to the history of the mosque, it was built at 1679 AD in the surrounding of the Ramna Park.
The mosque has three large Domes, and the architecture is almost similar to the structures at the era of Mughal (Shaista Khan). The measurement of the mosque is exactly 20.73 m by 7.92m. It is comprises with three front doors, where the middle one is a bit larger compare if you compare with other two.
As a commemoration, the mosque premise has a tomb of the founder of the mosque. The tomb is decorated with only a single dome. The southern part of the tomb has a nicely shaped veranda with a curvy roof. Inside the tomb, there is something which is covered with red cloth.
Each corner of the mosque or the tomb has a firmly built pillar, which are lovely to examine. The baroque style of the pillar will certainly impress you. Neither the mosque nor the tomb has any window. That's why when you'll look inside the tomb or mosque, you'll find it a bit darker, no matter how sunny the day is. Finally it is strictly forbidden for the women for "Jumma Prayer" at Friday. Using a notice board at the facade of the mosque, it’s proclaimed that they have no facilities for women for Jumma Prayer.
)
)
