The Star Mosque and Armenian Church. Dhaka
The mosque originally built in the early 19th century and renovated in 1926, richly decorated with intricate tiling, predominantly of blue stars. Hence its present name,
Somehow, somewhere I have lost my externals so the above is not my shot, but you get the picture yes?
Inside the mosque
Unlike in a lot of mosques, well most that I have seen anyways, the walls would be richly decorated with Islamic script and writings from the Koran. The Tara Masjid to give its correct name is by contrast richly decorated with porcelain tiles.
Bearing no connection to Islam that I am aware of a scene replicating landscapes I am told of Mount Fuji in Japan
There were lots of flowers too and stars, created by using a style known as Chini Tikri
Close in the detail of the 'Chini Tikri.' a textured surface created by inserting broken pieces of glazed china into a white plaster rendered wall,
Proud Sunni Muslims, happy to pose for a snap
The books of their faith
Finding a quiet spot and making peace with their chosen deity
The Armenian Church
During the early part of the 18th century. There was a fairly large Armenian colony in Dhaka, which played a significant role in Bengali trade and commerce in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Their presence, however, began to decline from the beginning of the British rule, rape and subjugation of the sub continent.
The Armenian Apostolic Church of the Holy Resurrection and its graveyard were built on Armenian Street in 1781, then a thriving business district. where most Armenian businesses were to be found.
Two things I love about this gravestone, the lady had an alias and on her death was "aged about 85",
how quaint
There are around about 350 people buried in the old graveyard.
A statue at the grave of Catchik Avatik Thomas, apparently portraying his wife.
Inside the church itself although is quite basic, it remains well looked after and well maintained by a dedicated group in the community, and religious services continue to he held and are well attended.
The Bangladeshi Govt. has declared the church as being of religious and historical heritage it is now under supervision of the Department of Archaeology, with measures to restore and safeguard the cultural heritage.
Frosty the snowman has seen better days
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Happy Ramadhan…
intricate tilework at the Star Mosque - a true testament to Islamic art and architecture & contrast with the simple beauty of the Armenian Church
Cheers @vixmemon and to you too. Thanks for dropping in, contrats indeed, both beautiful in their own ways.
Have a great weekend ahead
Wow, what an incredible journey through history and architecture! 🤩 The Star Mosque’s intricate Chini Tikri tilework is absolutely mesmerizing—blue stars, floral patterns, and even Mount Fuji? That’s a mix of cultures you don’t see every day!
Cheers @ilmaffeiano78 thanks fir dropping in, I appreciate it, an unusual and really lovely Mosque
have a great weekend ahead
👍
What a perfect blend you created 😍 with mosque and with Church. I loved the details and I learned about Chini kari. You explained it in simple and easy wording. Masjid is really beautiful and Church too 😍.
These floral patterns in masjids, specially in old Masjids, represents the world after (Jannah, Heaven).
Fresco work, motifs in Wazir Khan Masjid Lahore are really splendid. Please do visit that Masjid and there are so many churches in Lahore too.
Cheers @tahastories1 thanks for dropping in I appreciate your input, I was hoping to visit Pakistan next month, but personal issues I had to cancel, hopefully in the autumn or next year. I so want to visit your amazing country
Then you must contact me please. I will walk with you.
I shall remember to do that thank you
In fact I will join you
👍
The Star Mosque was amazing, the ceramic tiles that cover much of its exterior showcasing fine artistry. With the Church's elegant simplicity, the atmosphere is serene with minimalistic interiors.
Cheers @gretelarmfeg glad you enjoyed
Yes, I loved museums and mosques. It made me amazed by their intricate designs and the learning and experiences that I could get.
Yes they have so much to look at
Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
Very beautiful mosque ❤️
totally agree
This is a fascinating place full of amazing antiquities. I really enjoy visiting places like this. Thank you for showing us the beautiful photographs. Best regards!
cheers @marlynmont , thanks for dropping in, so glad you enjoywalking with me and I appreciate you letting me know your views
have a great weekend ahead
Lovely mosque - interesting interiors - quite different indeed. I like the tiling in the church a sort of mosaic. Frosty has indeed seen better day - must be kept for sentimental reasons. It is great that you can linger long enough to make these great photos.
Yup, poor old frosty has seen better days indeed
😀
https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/1jah383/armenian_church_in_dhaka_bangladesh/
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArmeniansGlobal/comments/1jbfuhv/armenian_church_in_dhaka_bangladesh/
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people( @x-rain ) sharing the post on Reddit as long as they are registered with @poshtoken. Sign up at https://hiveposh.com. Otherwise, rewards go to the author of the blog post.
Great set of images, documentary stuff.
As I see from your posts, Dhaka is a dream destination for true travelers. I am a fan of Kolkata but it seems I should pay attention to East Bengal, too.
Didn't know there is an Armenian church in Dhaka but I know Armenians were present in India, including Bengalia, and some thrived as merchants.
Cheers @x-rain , much appreciate that
Yes Kolkata is a wonderful city , in fact I love the sub-continent full stop! I was surprised to learn of the Armenian community, I went to te country with a complete blank knowledge, I learned so much
Same here. And travelers of the best quality are present there. I hope to visit this country in 2025 (although I feel I should stay forever in Songkhla 😀). Bangladesh? I never seriously researched it. But your posts have intrigued me. I thought Dhaka could be just a huge ghetto 😄 I mean Kolkata was the capital of British India until 1911, so no surprise Kolkata looks cool. Interesting how expensive it is there (probably, cheap), and whether it's possible to go from Dhaka to Kolkata by bus (probably, yes)...
I am sure it is possible to travel between the two cities, by road or a mix of road rail and water. Dhaka did not have any resemblance to a british colonial city, there were a few bits about but hardly noticeable.
Poor old Frosty is badly in need of a wash!
Unlike the stunning wood sculptures, fabulous works of art.
The places of worship are plentiful wherever one goes in the world, and all tell of an era long gone. As always, lovely photos @grindle <3
Thank you @lizelle , they do make great subjects for snappers!!