Exploring the Magnificence of the Shat Gombuj Masjid in Bagerhat, Bangladesh
In the heart of Bagerhat, Bangladesh, lies a remarkable piece of history and architecture – the Sixty Dome Mosque, locally known as the ‘Shat Gombuj Masjid.’ This mosque, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Mosque City of Bagerhat, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and grandeur of the Bengal Sultanate period (1352–1576). Let’s delve into the history, location, and architectural wonders of this iconic structure.
A Glimpse into History
During the 15th century, a devout Muslim named Khan Jahan Ali established a thriving colony in the Sundarbans mangrove forest near the coast, known as ‘Khalifatabad‘ during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah. Khan Jahan’s vision extended to adorning this city with numerous mosques, and among them, the Shait-Gombuj Masjid emerged as the most imposing and largest multi-domed mosque in Bangladesh. Construction of this architectural marvel commenced in 1442 and concluded in 1459. Beyond serving as a place of worship, it functioned as a madrasha (Islamic school) and an assembly hall.
Location
Situated in the Bagerhat district of southern Bangladesh within the Khulna Division, the Sixty Dome Mosque is approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the main town of Bagerhat. For perspective, Bagerhat is nearly 320 kilometers (200 miles) southwest of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Architectural Splendor
The Sixty Dome Mosque is a prime example of the Tughlaq architectural style, featuring unusually thick, tapered brick walls and a distinct hut-shaped roofline that foreshadows later architectural trends. Its external dimensions measure 148 feet and 6 inches by 101 feet and 4 inches, while internally, it spans 123 feet and 3 inches by 76 feet and 2 inches.
One of the most striking features of this mosque is its 77 squat domes, arranged in seven rows of eleven, with an additional dome at each corner, totaling 81 domes. Four towers grace the structure, with two of them serving as the call to prayer, known as the azaan.
The interior of the mosque is a testament to architectural finesse, with numerous aisles and bays formed by slender columns that lead to an array of arches supporting the roof. While the mosque is well-ventilated with 11 arched doorways on the east and 7 on both the north and south sides, the vast prayer hall emanates a sense of solemnity.
The mosque’s walls, 1.8 meters (6 feet) thick and slightly tapering, along with hollow, round corner towers reminiscent of fortress bastions, bear the influence of Tughlaq architecture from Delhi. Notably, the western wall features eleven mihrabs (prayer niches) on the interior, with ten being blind and the central one projecting on the exterior. The overall architecture showcases the exquisite beauty of the 15th century.
Sixty Domes or Sixty Columns
Despite its local moniker as the ‘Sixty Domed Mosque,’ the structure boasts 77 domes over the main hall and precisely 60 stone pillars. The nomenclature mystery lies in the possibility that the mosque was originally referred to as the ‘Sixty Pillared Mosque,’ where ‘Amud’ (meaning column in Arabic/Persian) evolved into ‘Gombuj’ in Bengali, signifying domes.
The Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, stands as an architectural gem and a testament to the historical richness of the region. Its grandeur, unique design, and historical significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and travelers seeking to explore Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.