Numerous mosques have been built in Dhaka since ancient times. That is why Dhaka is known as the city of mosques. And every mosque has different history, different stories. Many stories have been lost again in the evolution of time. But the mosques are still standing in glory. Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is an ancient mosque in Dhaka. Old Dhaka has several historical buildings in Lalbagh. Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is one of them. But very few people know this name of the mosque. Not even many people in the area know. But the locals know it as a two-storied mosque. The mosque is located in the Atashkhana of Old Dhaka. From the main gate of Lalbagh Fort, the mosque can be seen after a five-minute walk through the lane. The aesthetic architecture of the mosque here is bound to catch one's eyes. A mixture of red brick and limestone, the color of the structure is similar to that of burnt earth. The structure is about 17 feet high from the ground and from a distance one would think that the structure is made of terracotta. As an antiquities under the control of the Department of Archeology, the immortal feat of Sanrati Khan Mohammad Mridha is still crowded with pilgrims. Although there are many mosques in Oligli in this area, worshipers from different places come to offer prayers in this mosque.
There are many open spaces around the mosque. If there is pressure from the worshipers, there is a system of offering prayers by spreading mats there. But on the day of Friday, the main mosque and its surroundings are full, but there is not enough space for many worshippers. Therefore, many people pray standing on the road in front of the open space under the outer platform, filling up the space in front of the ablutions, said some of the worshipers who pray regularly here. According to the information provided on the website of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Khan Mohammad Mridha built this mosque in 1704-1705 AD under the orders of the Chief Qazi Qazi Khan Mohammad Ebadullah. The mosque was built on a platform about 17 feet high. The structure of the main mosque has three domes and around it there are about twenty-five small minar-like structures. The lower floor of the mosque has been given accommodation to the employees of Lalbagh Fort. Prayers are...
Read moreKhan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is located at Old Dhaka, some 500m west of Lalbagh Fort. According to two Persian inscriptions, one over the central archway and the other over the central Mihrab, the mosque was built during the rule of Deputy Governor of Dhaka, Farrukh Siyar, by a Khan Mohammad Mirza, who could have been the architect. The construction was orders by a Qazi Ibadullah during 1704–05 AD.
Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is stylistically similar to Lalbagh Fort. It is built on a raised platform which is 5.8m from the ground level. Underneath the platform are vaulted rooms on all sides except the eastern side, which were used for living purposes. In the eastern side, there is a stairway of 25 steps which ends with a gateway aligning the central doorway of the mosque proper. It is through this gateway that one can reach the top of the platform.
The prayer hall of Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is a rectangular structure measuring 48′ x 24′ and is capped by three domes, the central being the larger one. The smaller sizes of the side domes are achieved by using intermediary pendentives. The corner minarets are short and slender, rising just above the parapet and are capped by ribbed copulas. The annex to the north of the mosque serves as a madrasa or religious school and has a hujra or arcaded hall that is used for travelers and visitors.
The facade of the mosque is decorated with paneling and ornamental merlons along the parapet. The entrances to the prayer hall are framed by multi-cusped arches and engaged columns on either side. The interior is divided into three bays by two lateral arches. Each bay contains a mihrab that is marked by multi-cusped arch within a rectangular panel.
To get a good view of this walled mosque, you have to enter the main gate off the main road. People of any religion and women are welcome inside. Ladies should get properly covered. Other than the prayer time, you may find the mosque gate locked, but if you ask the caretaker, he’ll...
Read moreKhan Mohammad Mridha MosqueKhan Mohammad Mridha Mosque Explore The Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is a significant historical mosque located near Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Here are some key details about it:
History: The mosque was built in the Atish Khan Mahalla by Khan Mohammad Mridha under the instruction of Qadi Ibadullah in 1706 CE1. Architecture: It features three domes and is known for its architecture from the 16th century. The mosque is built on a platform that is 16 feet 6 inches above ground level, which is the roof of the tahkhana (underground rooms) used for living purposes1. Prayer Hall: The prayer hall measures 48 feet by 24 feet and is capped by three domes, with the central dome being larger. The minarets are short and slender, designed with the region’s frequent earthquakes in mind1. Interior: Inside, the mosque is divided into three bays by two lateral arches, each containing a mihrab marked by multi-cusped arches within a rectangular panel1. Conservation: Despite its architectural beauty, there have been concerns about the mosque’s state of decay and the need for preservation efforts2. It’s a place of great cultural and historical significance, reflecting the rich heritage of Dhaka. If you’re interested in architecture or history, it’s certainly a site...
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