Exploring the Majestic Historical Mosques in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is home to a treasure trove of historical mosques that reflect centuries of architectural innovation, religious devotion, and cultural richness. From the Sultanate period through Afghan and Mughal influence, these mosques have withstood the tests of time and remain living monuments of heritage and community life. Join us as we explore the top ten of these remarkable mosques, their origins, distinct styles, and what makes each one a must-visit for history lovers.
1. Sixty Dome Mosque, Bagerhat
One of the most iconic of the historical mosques in Bangladesh is the Sixty Dome Mosque, located in Bagerhat. Constructed in the 15th century under the leadership of Khan Jahan Ali, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its vast prayer hall, thick walls, and a vast array of domes (popularly called sixty, though actually numbering 77 or 81 when including corner domes). The walls are a formidable 8.5 feet thick, giving the structure strength and promise of endurance. This mosque offers a perfect example of how Islamic architecture merged with local building techniques, producing a design that is both grand and functional.
2. Kusumba Mosque, Naogaon
Another gem among historical mosques in Bangladesh is the Kusumba Mosque in Naogaon’s Manda Upazila. Built in 1558-59 AD during the Afghan period by Sulaiman under Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah, this dark stone mosque stands out for its elegant yet sturdy construction. It has three mihrabs, six domes, and is surrounded by the vast Kusumba Dighi, a reservoir that enhances both its aesthetic ambiance and its reflection in water. The architecture here displays floral motifs and vine-patterns, blending Afghan influences with Bengali craftsmanship.
3. Goaldi Mosque, Sonargaon
Goaldi Mosque is another outstanding example of the Sultanate style among historical mosques in Bangladesh. Built in 1519 during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah, it features an enclosed square prayer chamber, a single dome, and ribbed turrets. The eastern façade shows relief work and black basalt accents, especially on the central mihrab. This mosque stands as a reminder of Bengal’s golden age when architectural patronage flourished under the Sultanate’s domain.
4. Choto Sona Mosque, Chapainawabganj
The “Little Golden Mosque” or Choto Sona Mosque is a jewel among the historical mosques in Bangladesh. Built between 1493-1519 under Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah, this mosque once had gilded domes, giving it a brilliant gold-like appearance in sunlight. It contains fifteen domes, including three chau-chala domes at the center, and features octagonal towers and terracotta arabesques. Although some of its original golden ornamentation has been lost, its vibrant legacy remains.
5. Bagha Mosque, Rajshahi
Situated in the vast expanse of rural Rajshahi, Bagha Mosque is a masterpiece among historical mosques in Bangladesh founded in 1523 by Sultan Nusrat Shah of the Hussain Shahi dynasty. With ten domes and six pillars inside, its design blends scale and intricacy: large arches, richly decorated doorways, thick walls, and a broad prayer hall. Despite partial damage over time, it still impresses visitors with its grandeur and the exquisite craftsmanship of its arches and stonework.
6. Sura Mosque, Dinajpur
In the far north, the Sura Mosque (also known as Surmya Masjid or Shuja Masjid) is another historical treasure. Dating from around 1504 AD during the Husain Shahi period, this mosque is built using bricks and black sandstone from Rajmahal Hills. The mosque’s tall walls, ornate mihrabs with floral and geometric terracotta designs, arched openings, and a raised mound location make it unique among the historical mosques in Bangladesh. It offers a finely preserved example of early Sultanate architecture in a less explored region.
7. Khania Dighi (Rajbibi) Mosque, Chapai Nawabganj
Also locally known as Rajbibi Mosque, the Khania Dighi Mosque dates back to the 15th century. It combines royal elegance with modest design, featuring a square prayer hall, a lovely fore-room, arched facades, and a central dome supported by squinches and arches. Though time has inevitably taken its toll, restoration efforts have kept this mosque among the important historical mosques in Bangladesh deserving of visitors and preservation efforts alike.
8. Darasbari Mosque, Shibganj (Chapai Nawabganj)
The Darasbari Mosque, originally named Firozpur Mosque, built in 1469 AD, stands as part of the Gaur-Lakhnauti historical complex. Though in ruins, its massive footprint — measuring 34m by 20.6m externally, 30.3m by 11.7m internally — provides visitors a sense of the scale of Sultanate mosques. Its roof had 24 domes and four chauchala vaults. Even in decay, the terracotta paneling and vertical decorative patterns reflect craftsmanship of historical mosques in Bangladesh in full glory.
9. Tara Mosque, Old Dhaka
In contrast with older Sultanate structures, the Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) in Old Dhaka is relatively recent, dating from the 18th century. But its ornate tile work, star-patterned mosaics, and decorative domes make it a worthy entry in any list of historical mosques in Bangladesh. The mosque’s white marble, mosaic stars, and minute craftsmanship in its decoration make it an architectural jewel, very different from purely Sultanate brickwork but equally compelling.
10. Chunakhola Mosque, Bagerhat
The Chunakhola Mosque, located in Bagerhat, is another representative of the historical mosques in Bangladesh with its square design, thick walls (over 2.24m in places), and multiple entrances. Though simpler in scale compared to Sixty Dome or Kusumba, its half-domes, central mihrab design, and restored condition make it an important stop for anyone exploring Bangladesh’s Sultanate architectural heritage.
Why These Mosques Matter
These historical mosques in Bangladesh are far more than tourist destinations. They are archives in brick and stone, preserving stories from Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah’s reign, the Suri kings, Husain Shah, and later Mughal influences. Through their domes, mihrabs, terracotta panels, and even ruins, one can trace Bangladesh’s religious, political, and cultural evolution.
They also demonstrate considerable local ingenuity: adapting architecture to flood plains, climatic conditions, local materials (brick, stone, terracotta), and artistic styles (floral motifs, lotus reliefs, geometric patterns). Many mosques show influences from Afghan or Persian styles, merged with Bengali aesthetics.
Visiting Tips & Preservation Concerns
-
Best time to visit: October to March offers mild weather and good access.
-
Respect etiquette: Dress modestly, remove shoes, maintain silence during prayers, ask permission before photographing worshippers.
-
Getting there: Many of these mosques are in rural areas. Transport options may be limited, so planning in advance is essential.
-
Preservation: Some mosques — Darasbari, Kusumba — need restoration. Terracotta work, domes, and walls often suffer from weather damage. Local authorities and heritage boards are increasingly involved in preservation.
-
Guide support: Using local guides adds context — they can share stories about builder kings, inscriptions, local legends, and artisan techniques.