Bagerhat 60 Dome Mosque Bangladesh | Bangladesh Travel Guide

By Koryo Tours

Bagerhat, Bangladesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic mosques.

Bagerhat is located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. It is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. And, of course, it's famous 60 Dome Mosque.

The city of Bagerhat, often referred to as the "City of Mosques," is home to numerous Islamic monuments and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was founded in the 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali and is a truly incredible architecturally and culturally significant place showing off the brilliance of medieval Bengal.

Bagerhat was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, highlighting its global cultural and historical importance.

Where is Bagerhat?
History of Bagerhat
Bagerhat Architecture
Bagerhat Monuments
Visiting Bagerhat
Getting to Bagerhat

Where is Bagerhat

Bagerhat is situated in the Khulna Division of Bangladesh, approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Khulna city.

It lies at the meeting point of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.

The region experiences a tropical climate with a monsoon season with heavy rainfall and humid conditions during summer, and mild dry winters.

Bagerhat is close to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest contiguous mangrove forests in the world. You can join up a visit to both of these areas! Bagerhat’s economy is primarily agrarian, with rice and fish farming dominating the region. Additionally, tourism plays a significant role due to its historical sites and proximity to the Sundarbans.

Bagerhat History

The Founding of Bagerhat

Bagerhat was established in the early 15th century by Khan Jahan Ali. He was a Sufi saint and a celebrated general under the Bengal Sultanate.

He envisioned the city as a hub of Islamic culture and architecture, combining urban planning with religious devotion. Khan Jahan Ali contributed to the construction of many mosques and other structures, and also to the development of reservoirs and infrastructure.

Medieval Period

During its peak, Bagerhat was a flourishing town. It was very strategically important for trade and religion.
It served as a centre for Islamic education and administration in southern Bengal.

Colonial and Post-Colonial Periods

Bagerhat’s significance declined during the British colonial period as administrative focus shifted to other regions.

Architecture of Bagerhat

Bagerhat is renowned for its Islamic architecture. This is seen in several aspects of the region.

Brick Construction: A defining feature of the region’s medieval buildings.
Terracotta Ornamentation: Intricate patterns and designs adorning walls and arches.
Multi-domed Structures: Unique to Bengal, with some mosques featuring dozens of domes.

Bagerhat Monuments

Below is a list of the important monuments in Bagerhat, Bangladesh:

Sixty Dome Mosque (Shat Gombuj Masjid): The most iconic structure in Bagerhat, built by Khan Jahan Ali. It features 60 pillars supporting 77 low domes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nine Dome Mosque (Noy Gombuj Masjid): Known for its elegant domes and terracotta decorations.
Tomb of Khan Jahan Ali: The final resting place of the city’s founder, revered as a holy site.
Chunakhola Mosque: A smaller yet intricately designed mosque that reflects the architectural style of the period.

Visiting Bagerhat

Major Attractions

Sixty Dome Mosque Complex: A must-visit for its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Sundarbans Excursions: Many tourists combine a visit to Bagerhat with trips to the nearby Sundarbans.
Local Markets: Offering traditional crafts and local produce.

Getting to Bagerhat

Bagerhat is well-connected by road and water routes.

You can travel via Khulna, which is accessible by bus, train, and boat from Dhaka.