The Tara Masjid (Star Mosque) is one of the most beautiful
Mughal era mosques in Bangladesh. The mosque has ornate designs and is
decorated with motifs of blue stars. It is located in the Abdul Khairat Road,
Armanitola area of the old part of the Dhaka city. The mosque, both inside and
outside, is decorated with mosaic. Small chips of Chinaware-plate, cup and
pieces of glass have been used for mosaic.
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| "Front of Star Mosque" Photo: www.toursntripsbd.com/ |
This mosque was originally a simple rectangular mosque,
measuring 33′ x 11′ with three doorways on the east façade (main façade) and
one on the north wall and another on the south wall. Three domes crowned the
mosque, the central one being the larger. Towers accented the corners and the
façades displayed plastered panel decoration. It was built in the first half of
the 19th century by a Mughal landlord named Mirza Golam Pir (Mirza Ahmed Jan).At
that time it was a tiny 3 domed mosque made with marble imported from Rajmahal
of India.
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| "Artwork of Star Mosque" Photo: www.therealfoxyroxy.wordpress.com |
In early 20th century, Ali Jan Bepari, a local businessman, financed the renovation of the mosque and added a new eastern verandah. The surface was redecorated with Chinitikri work (mosaic work of broken China porcelain pieces), a decorative style that was popular during the 1930s. The mosque, which previously lacked any historical significance, is one of the few remaining architectural example of the Chinitikri (Chinese pieces) method of mosaic decoration. This decorative technique is found in the striking star motif that is in part the reason for the mosque's current acclaim and popular name, Star Mosque or Sitara Masjid. In 1987, the Ministry of Religious Affairs commissioned Giasul Huque and Zahiruddin Zahiruddin to make additions to the prayer hall, which was extended to include two more domes.
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| "Star Mosque" Photo: www.mapio.net/ |
Unfortunately, this art and its specialist artisans are now
extinct from our country. The mosque is still open for prayers and one can
visit this beautiful ancient mosque anytime and any day.
References:
Begum, Ayesha (2012). "Star Mosque". In Islam,
Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh
(Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
Haque, Enamul. 1983. Islamic Art Heritage of Bangladesh. Dhaka:
Bangladesh National Museum, 98.
Imamuddin, Abu H. 1993. Architectural Conservation
Bangladesh: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, 239.
ABM, Hussain. 2007. The Archaeological Heritage of
Bangladesh. Dhaka: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
Ahmed, Sharif Uddin. 1991. Dhaka Past Present Future. Dhaka:
Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
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