Star Mosque, located in the Armanitola area of Old Dhaka, is a prominent historical mosque in Bangladesh. It is also known as Tara Masjid, and its remarkable star-shaped motifs on the exterior and interior walls have made it a unique architectural wonder of the country. This mosque has been a popular tourist attraction for years, drawing visitors from all over the world to appreciate its stunning design and rich cultural heritage.
The mosque was built during the reign of Mirza Golam Pir in the early nineteenth century. It was initially a small mosque with a traditional design, but the mosque’s transformation into a star-shaped wonder began during the era of the Dhaka Nawabs. The Nawabs of Dhaka, particularly Khwaja Abdul Ghani and his son Khwaja Ahsanullah, were great patrons of art and architecture, and they played a significant role in the mosque’s development. It was during Khwaja Ahsanullah’s tenure that the mosque’s redesign took place, and stunning star-shaped motifs were added to the walls.
The exterior of the mosque is particularly noteworthy, with its white and blue tiles arranged in a striking star pattern. These tiles were brought in from Japan and were used to decorate the mosque’s exterior walls. The intricate details and designs on the walls make it a unique example of Islamic art and architecture. The mosque’s main entrance is adorned with beautiful floral designs, while the minarets are decorated with blue and white stripes.
The interior of the mosque is equally stunning, with its star-shaped motifs continuing on the walls and ceilings. The mosque’s interior is adorned with delicate floral designs, and the calligraphy on the walls is particularly noteworthy. The mosque’s prayer hall is spacious and can accommodate up to 500 worshippers at a time. The mosque’s mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, is carved with intricate designs and is made of white marble.
The mosque’s courtyard, which is accessible through the main entrance, is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the midst of the busy city. The courtyard is surrounded by the mosque’s walls, and the blue and white tiles that adorn them make for a striking sight. The courtyard has a fountain in the center, which is used for ritual ablutions before prayers.
The mosque has undergone several renovations over the years, and today it stands as a beautiful example of Mughal-style architecture. The mosque’s restoration began in the early 1980s and was completed in the mid-1990s.
The renovation work was carried out with great care and attention to detail, and the mosque was restored to its former glory. The mosque’s walls were cleaned and repainted, and the tiles were replaced where necessary. The mosque’s wooden doors and windows were also repaired or replaced, and the minarets were restored to their original condition.
Today, the Star Mosque is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangladesh. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at the mosque’s stunning design and learn about its rich cultural heritage. The mosque’s location in Old Dhaka, with its narrow streets and bustling bazaars, adds to its charm and appeal.
In conclusion, the Star Mosque is an architectural gem and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Its unique star-shaped motifs and intricate designs make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Islamic art and architecture. The mosque’s restoration has ensured that it will continue to be a source of pride for the people of Bangladesh for generations to come.
However, visitors are advised to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the mosque.