MOSQUE SHATGUMBAD

In the th century Khan Jahan Ali, a general pieux, founded a Muslim colony called Khalifalabad in the heart of the thick Sundarbans forest. Sent by the Sultanate of Delhi, who wanted to create a outpost of Islam in this remote region of Bengal, he was responsible for developing and administering the city. He began by planning the city, building roads and bridges and providing enough water to make the city habitable in this-infested corner of tigers. His piety led him to build a dozen mosques of brick, but the city counted up to 360! The ensemble was listed by Forbes magazine as one of the 15 forgotten cities in the world. The city étalait over 50 km ² and did not include fortifications. A retreat in the thick forest had to succeed in ensuring the safety of the population in the event of an attack. The city was abandoned and returned to nature after the death of Khan Jahan Ali in 1459, which undoubtedly explains the integrity in which it was rediscovered. In addition to mosques, former public buildings, homes, cemeteries, roads and bridges testify to its importance. It is also incredible to think that such a company has barely lasted the time of a man's life, from his construction to his abandonment.

The mosque: The most beautiful and famous of the mosques is undoubtedly Shatgumbad. It symbolizes the golden age of Muslim Bengal and is one of the country's oldest mosques. In addition to religious temple, she also served as madrasas (Koranic school), gathering and court place for Khan Jahan Ali. This mosque, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, is also called «mosque to the 60 domes» or «mosque to the 60 pillars». 48 m wide, it stands in the midst of a vast and pleasant garden planted with groves and roses and is located on the shore of the Est reservoir. In fact, the mosque has 81 domes, of which 11 are rows per 7 on the roof and 4 additional domes that come to bear the towers at every corner of the building. The central row domes have a slightly different appearance with 4 edges, when the rest are perfectly rounded. The towers used to call the faithful to prayer. The north and south walls are pierced by 7 arches and the entrance is 11 arches, ensuring light and ventilation. The west wall headed to Mecca is Full. The interior is divided into 7 longitudinal alleys and 11 transverse aisles. Flying are built on 60 pillars to support roof domes. At the end of each of the transverse aisles, a mihrab is dug in the wall. Mihrab is a semi-circular niche, directed towards Mecca, where the faithful tilt for prayer. These mihrabs are sculpted and decorated with ornamental terracotta plates.

Museum: a small museum in the gardens of the mosque welcomes visitors with a long stuffed crocodile, perhaps one of those who paressaient in the Résevoir of Takur Dighi. The museum also presents a collection of parts and shells used as a currency, as well as pottery. Old photos of Bangladesh's most famous monuments adorn the walls. The interest of this museum is relatively relative, but its visit is included in the entrance ticket. So do a trick.