Sixty Dome Mosque

The Sixty Dome Mosque, also known as Shait Gambuj Mosque, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture located in Bagerhat, a city in southern Bangladesh. This mosque was built during the 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali, a Turkish general who founded the city of Bagerhat. The Sixty Dome Mosque is an excellent example of the rich architectural heritage of Bangladesh and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sixty Dome Mosque is a unique example of Islamic architecture with an octagonal plan. The mosque has 77 low domes supported by 60 stone pillars, which give the mosque its name. The mosque is built on a raised platform and has four minarets, which are adorned with beautiful terracotta ornamentation. The mosque's central prayer hall is surrounded by a series of smaller rooms, which were likely used for teaching and administrative purposes. The mosque's exterior is decorated with intricate terracotta plaques that depict various floral and geometric motifs. The mosque's terracotta tiles are arranged in a herringbone pattern, which gives the mosque its distinctive look. The use of baked bricks and terracotta in the construction of the Sixty Dome Mosque is a testament to the skill of local craftsmen and the availability of locally sourced materials.

History

The Sixty Dome Mosque was built during the Bengal Sultanate period, which lasted from the 14th to the 16th century. The construction was started in 1442 and completed in 1459, by Khan Jahan Ali, a Turkish general who founded the city of Bagerhat. Khan Jahan Ali was a Sufi saint and a patron of the arts, and he played a significant role in spreading Islam throughout Bengal. The Sixty Dome Mosque was built as part of Khan Jahan Ali's efforts to spread Islam throughout Bengal. The mosque was used for prayer, teaching, and administrative purposes during the Sultanate period. According to local legend, the mosque was built in just three months by a team of 60,000 workers. Today, the Sixty Dome Mosque is still used as a place of worship for local Muslims. The mosque is also a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the mosque's intricate architecture and learn about its fascinating history.

Architecture

The mosque has thick walls made of tapered bricks and a roofline that resembles a thatched cottage. The mosque measures 160 feet in length and 108 feet in width. Its surface is made up of 77 small domes arranged in seven rows, with each row containing 11 domes, in addition to four large domes on the four corners of the mosque. The total number of domes in the mosque is 81. The mosque's interior is divided into numerous aisles on slender columns, which culminate in a series of arches that support the roof. The central prayer hall is spacious, but the interior appears dark and gloomy despite the presence of lighting and ventilation openings. The mosque was constructed using locally sourced materials, including tapered bricks and terracotta. The mosque's walls are decorated with intricate terracotta plaques that depict various floral and geometric motifs. The mosque's terracotta tiles are arranged in a herringbone pattern, which gives the mosque's exterior its distinctive look. The use of locally available materials and the skill of local craftsmen make this mosque a unique and valuable part of Bangladesh's architectural heritage. The Sixty Dome Mosque is a spacious mosque that can accommodate a large number of worshippers. The mosque's central prayer hall is surrounded by smaller rooms that were likely used for teaching and administrative purposes. The mosque's raised platform also provides ample space for worshippers to gather and pray. The Sixty Dome Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. The use of locally sourced materials and the skill of local craftsmen make this mosque a unique and valuable part of Bangladesh's architectural heritage. The continued use of the mosque as a place of worship for local Muslims is a testament to the enduring legacy of Khan Jahan Ali and his contributions to the spread of Islam throughout Bengal.