Book Launch
Mosque Architecture in Bangladesh
Cultural Correspondent
When Muslim settlers came to Bengal, they brought a different architectural approach. They built mosques and secular structures with the use of imported features modified by local culture, climate, tradition, materials, and technology. From that period through the present, mosques in Bangladesh have developed a unique style in terms of architecture. The notion of mosque architecture has been changing over time, according to the desires of the ruling class and the common people as well. Mosque Architecture in Bangladesh, a book featuring a thorough research and insight on the development of designs of mosques in our country through the ages by architect Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed (Head, Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific) was launched at the Goethe Institut on November 30. CM Shafi Sami, Adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh, was the guest of honour at the book launch. Others present as special guests were Dr Nazimuddin Ahmed, former director, Directorate of Archaeology and Museum; Dr Shafiqul Alam, director, Department of Archaeology and Wolfgang Vollman, UNESCO Represen-tative in Bangladesh. During a presentation, the author said, "Mosques, being the centre of Islamic spirit and activities, are edifices of special significance. The then Bengal (now Bangladesh) came within the ambit of Islam in the early 13th century and from then onwards people in this region built numerous mosques. Many of the mosques have survived but they need to be properly documented, analysed and conserved." The first chapter of the book offers a comprehensive thought on the revolution and influence of mosque architecture in Bangladesh. The following chapter titled "Catalogue" is an attempt to compile the representations of these mosques, classified in three phases -- Early Islamic, Mughal and Colonial. The physical form of thirty selected mosques is analysed and illustrated with plans, elevations and photographs. Images used in the book are by Syed Zakir Hossain, a photographer of The Daily Star. The mosque architecture of Bangladesh do not demonstrate large-scale construction but its appearance, proportion and designs are inventive, original and balanced. The book provides an insight to that and can be of great help to architecture and history enthusiasts. UNESCO Dhaka is the publisher of Mosque Architecture in Bangladesh.
|
(L-R) Syed Zakir Hossain, Dr Shafiqul Alam, Wolfgang Vollman, CM Shafi Sami (Adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh), Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed (author) and Dr Nazimuddin Ahmed at the book launch (Top left) & Photographs from the book (Clockwise from top right): Kusumba Mosque (Naogaon), Bagha Mosque (Rajshahi) and Bazra Mosque (Noakhali). PHOTO: Syed Zakir Hossain |
