Exploring Old Dhaka: Khan Mohammad Mirza Mosque and Azimpur Daira Sharif

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Sohelee Tahmina
Published : 19:32, Feb 17, 2019 | Updated : 19:44, Feb 17, 2019



The Azimpur Daira Sharif and entrance to the Khan Mohammad Mirza MosqueOur beloved Dhaka is more than 400 years old with parts of history woven into our present and future. These histories have deep influence at some places and such part of this city is Old Dhaka that’s teeming with history, heritage, pride and honour.




People in our country are not very familiar with Old Dhaka; in fact, its sphere is limited to a few famous historical establishments and the restaurants which got fame for both quality and social media promotions. But there are many such historical buildings whose history is forgotten that it’s beyond any description.
Khan Mohammad Mirja MosqueKhan Mohammad Mirza Mosque
Situated at less than half a kilometer west of the Lalbagh Fort, the Khan Mohammad Mirza Mosque was built in 1704-05. Two Persian inscriptions found in the compound sheds light on the history behind its building. During the era of Deputy Governor of the then Dhaka, Farrukh Siyar, this mosque was built at the orders of Qazi Ibadullah. It is believed that Khan Mohammad Mirza was the architect.
Having the main mosque and the prayer platform at about 16 feet 6 inches above ground level makes this mosque a unique structure. This happened because the tahkhana of this mosque is not built underground and makes the ground floor of the mosque with vaulted rooms which are being used for residential purposes. The roof of this tahkhana is the main prayer platform which is right in front of the main mosque body. On the East side of the compound, one has to climb up 25 steps to reach this platform.
Entrance to the main Prayer Spot of Mirja MosqueThe main mosque is comprised of three domes and the prayer platform is open on all sides allowing free air flow. The mosque was declared a historical site by the Archeological Survey of India in 1913, yet, according to the people working in the mosque, more support from the government is required for the preservation of this centuries old structure.
Entrance to the main Prayer Spot of Mirja MosqueAzimpur Daira Sharif
Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Muhammad Dayem (R) established this Mazar Sharif at Azimpur in 1766. Known as the ‘Gaddinashin’, the 10th generation of this family is now in-charge of the daira sharif and is led by Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Abdullah Zobayer since 1998.
Main gate of Daira SharifIt is believed that in the 13th century 12 Muslim saints entered Bangladesh led by the famous Waliullah Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Bakhtiyar Mahiswar (R), from Baghdad, Iraq- crossing the ocean riding a giant a fish. Hazrat Mahiswar (R) is the direct descendent of Hazrat Fatima (R), daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (Sm), and Hazrat Dayem (R) is the direct descendent of Hazrat Mahiswar (R). Later Hazrat Dayem (R) was ordered by Hazrat Shah Sufi Monem Pakbaj (R) in the 18th century to come to Dhaka from Bihar, India and establish this daira sharif here at Azimpur.
Mosque inside Daira SharifDuring these few 100 years, the place has gone through a lot of renovations and expansions. Now the place comprises of a mosque, a mazar and a graveyard along with residential homes. The three storied main entrance was built by the then Nawab of Dhaka in Turkish architectural style in 1891. The establishment was declared a ‘Wakf State’ by the government in 1908. The domes of the mosque and the minarets were built in the same year and the floor was covered with marble stones too.
The Gaddikhana adjacnet to the WudukhanaBoth of these structures are part of the unique history and heritage that Old Dhaka beholds and the government needs to pay more attention in preserving these establishments.
Stay tuned for the next article where yours truly will talk about the street food of Nababganj Road!

 

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