Gol Talab: 200-Year-Old Heritage Pond Reviving Old Dhaka’s Spirit
Gol Talab: A Historic Oasis in Old Dhaka
With its oval-shaped water body, tranquil surroundings and heritage status, Gol Talab offers more than just swimming; it represents an intersection of urban history, community recreation and environmental refuge. In this article, we explore Gol Talab’s story, its present use, significance and future potential.
Origins and History
Gol Talab is located in Islampur, immediately to the north-west of Ahsan Manzil (the erstwhile Nawab palace) and just north of the Buriganga River in Dhaka.
According to multiple sources, the pond dates back to the 19th century (some say early 1800s). It was dug by the Nawab family of Dhaka (linked to the title Nawab of Dhaka) and served as part of their estate landscaping and practical water resource.
Over time, as Old Dhaka developed around it, the pond remained a green spot and water body amidst the concrete-dense neighbourhoods.
Location & Physical Features
Gol Talab covers around seven to eight bighas (an old land‐measure) of land, though sources vary slightly. It is oval-shaped (“gol” means round in Bangla/Urdu and “talab” means pond) and surrounded by dense buildings in Islampur.
The pond is bounded by iron grilles and has a defined entrance gate on the eastern side. Trees like coconut, mango, neem and jackfruit surround the water body, providing a green fringe and habitat for birds and insects.
Scientific studies indicate it is one of the few surviving ponds in Dhaka with meaningful ecological value despite urban pressures.
Community Use: Bathing, Swimming & Recreation
Gol Talab is not just a static monument as the locals actively use it for bathing and swimming. According to a 2024 report, for a small fee (around Tk 10 at that time), visitors can bathe and swim in the pond from early morning until midnight.
The pond attracts many daily bathers from nearby districts such as Keraniganj and from within Old Dhaka. One swimmer even used it to train for a long-distance swim.
Because soaps and shampoos are banned to preserve water quality, and non-swimmers are restricted (for safety reasons), the management has sought to maintain a balance between access and conservation.
It also serves as a neutral recreational space for local children, workers, shopkeepers and residents of the area—something rare in heavily built-up Dhaka.
Heritage and Conservation Status
The pond is officially listed as a heritage site by the Dhaka city government.
Because it lies next to Ahsan Manzil and is tied into the legacy of the Nawab family, it carries cultural and historical significance. A recent academic paper used it and Ahsan Manzil together as a case study for heritage trail development in Old Dhaka.
However, like many heritage sites in rapidly urbanising Dhaka, Gol Talab faces challenges: encroachment, pollution, poor maintenance and lack of intensive public awareness.
Environmental Benefits & Urban Context
In a city like Dhaka where water bodies are rapidly disappearing, Gol Talab has value beyond its heritage label. Studies show that this pond contributes to urban cooling, biodiversity (fish, insects, birds) and water retention in an area dominated by concrete.
It thus serves both ecological and social functions—mitigating heat, offering communal relief, and providing aesthetic respite.
Challenges & Preservation Needs
Pollution & Maintenance: Ensuring water cleanliness remains a concern, especially given urban runoff and surrounding development.
Encroachment & Urban Pressure: The narrow roads and dense development of Old Dhaka make protecting the pond’s boundary and surrounding green buffer more difficult.
Public Awareness: While locals use the pond, broader recognition of its heritage, environment and recreational value remains limited.
Infrastructure & Amenities: Changing rooms, lifeguards, signage and heritage interpretation could be improved to elevate the user experience and protection.
Cultural Significance and Emotional Connection
Beyond its historic and environmental value, Gol Talab holds deep emotional significance for generations of Old Dhaka residents.
For many locals, especially those who grew up in the surrounding Islampur and Chawkbazar areas, the pond is not just a place to swim — it’s a part of their collective memory.
Elderly residents often recall learning to swim there during childhood, while families visit the site during holidays for a sense of nostalgia. The evening reflections on the water, the laughter of children, and the smell of nearby food stalls all capture the vibrant soul of Old Dhaka.
This emotional attachment makes Gol Talab more than a heritage structure; it’s a living community landmark that continues to bridge the past and present, reminding residents of Dhaka’s enduring sense of belonging and togetherness.
The Future: Heritage Trail & Community Engagement
Given its unique setting, Gol Talab has strong potential to be part of a larger “heritage trail” in Old Dhaka—linking the pond, Ahsan Manzil and other nearby historic landmarks. That idea is already being researched in architecture and urban-design circles.
Enhancing the pond’s role could involve:
Guided tours or signage explaining its Nawab era history
Community-based activities (e.g., swimming events, nature walks around the pond)
better promotion to local and international visitors as an “offbeat heritage spot”
Strengthened conservation efforts (e.g., fencing, pollution control, partnerships with NGOs)
Conclusion
In the heart of Old Dhaka, the historic Gol Talab stands as a rare combination of heritage, community recreation and environmental significance. From its origins in the Nawab era to its current role as a swimming spot, the pond continues to serve residents and visitors alike. With the right attention to conservation, management and promotion, Gol Talab can become not only a local jewel but a compelling chapter in Dhaka’s urban story.
