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Shrine of Bayazid Bostami

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Landmark
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Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)

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The Shrine of Bayazid Bostami is situated on a hillock in Nasirabad, near Chittagong, and stands as one of the most prominent religious sites in Bangladesh. It is dedicated to the 9th-century Sufi saint Bayazid Bostami, though historical evidence suggests he likely never visited the region, and the shrine serves as a commemorative 'jawab'. The architectural complex features a Mogul-style tomb and a mosque believed to have been constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1668. A key feature of the site is the large pond at the foot of the hill, which is home to over 300 black soft-shell turtles (Nilssonia nigricans). These turtles are revered by devotees as sacred beings and are protected by the shrine's keepers based on local legends. The site draws thousands of pilgrims annually, particularly during the religious festival of Urs. It represents a fascinating intersection of Islamic spirituality, Mogul architecture, and the conservation of a critically endangered species.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182226282928282828272420
Rain mm919411263055517825313952335614

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The shrine is open to all visitors; both pilgrims and tourists can enter. The pond with sacred turtles is a main attraction and freely accessible.
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Typical hours
The shrine is typically open from morning until evening, often into the night for evening prayers. Early morning the turtles are active and easy to spot.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the grounds, but without flash in the prayer area. At the pond, you can photograph the turtles without restrictions, but watch out for slippery stones.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to see the shrine and pond. If you want to watch the turtles longer, allocate more time.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with other Chittagong attractions like the Ethnological Museum or Foy's Lake. The area also has nice beaches nearby.
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Getting there
The shrine is in the Nasirabad area of Chittagong, reachable by car or rickshaw. From the city center, the journey takes about 20 minutes.
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Insider tip
Bring some food for the turtles, but make sure to give only suitable food like vegetables. Early morning is the best time to feed and observe them.

Geography

Coordinates
22.38550, 91.81590

Facts

  • The shrine is located on an artificial hillock in the Nasirabad area of Chittagong.
  • The associated mosque was built in 1668 during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.
  • The site's pond is home to more than 300 rare black soft-shell turtles.
  • The species Nilssonia nigricans was long thought to be extinct in the wild.
  • Sufi saint Bayazid Bostami was a Persian mystic originally from Bastam, Iran.
  • The annual Urs festival attracts tens of thousands of devotees to the shrine.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nasirabad Industrial AreaNasirabad Industrial Area<1 km · NExplore →
Karnaphuli RiverKarnaphuli River2 km · NExplore →
Foy's LakeFoy's Lake2 km · SExplore →
Kutubdia Wind FarmKutubdia Wind Farm4 km · NEExplore →
Matarbari Deep Sea PortMatarbari Deep Sea Port6 km · NEExplore →
Halda ValleyHalda Valley7 km · SExplore →
Kalurghat Industrial AreaKalurghat Industrial Area7 km · NExplore →
Lawachara National ParkLawachara National Park8 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (9)

Shrine of Bayazid Bostami📍 landmark

This Sufi shrine is famous for its large pond inhabited by sacred black soft-shell turtles.

Chittagong Cantonment Museum🏛 museum

A museum within the military cantonment showcasing regional history and military artifacts.

haabibiyyaa msjid - Habibiya Masjid⛪ religious

A local prayer house in the Bayezid area serving the community for daily religious ceremonies.

Bayazid Bostami (Rtd.) Jame Masjid, Tiger Rd, Chattogram⛪ religious

A congregational mosque located on Tiger Road, not far from the famous Bayazid Bostami shrine.

Hazrat Shah Hossainuzzaman Mazar⛪ religious

The mausoleum of a local Sufi saint, visited by devotees to seek blessings.

Madanhat Bazar, Modanhat, Chittagong - Rangamati-Khagrachhari Rd, Chattogram🎭 culture

A bustling local market on the road to Rangamati, known for its variety of fresh regional produce.

Fatehabad Central Jame Masjid Market, Chittagong - Rangamati-Khagrachhari Rd, Chattogram🎭 culture

A commercial hub located adjacent to the central mosque, featuring stalls for clothing and religious items.

Islamia Hut, Bazar, Hathazari, Chittagong - Rangamati-Khagrachhari Rd, Chattogram🎭 culture

A traditional local trading post in Hathazari where farmers bring their goods for direct sale.

Sanaullah Para Jame Masjid, Chittagong - Rangamati-Khagrachhari Rd, Chattogram📍 landmark

A community mosque along Rangamati Road, known for its simple and peaceful atmosphere.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this shrine in Chittagong famous?
Famous for the pond with sacred turtles living there.
What kind of turtles are they?
They are rare soft-shell turtles (Bostami turtles).
Can you feed the turtles?
Yes, visitors often buy food on-site to feed them.
Where exactly is the shrine located?
On a small hill in Nasirabad, Chittagong.
Is the shrine open 24 hours?
Generally, it is open to visitors from morning until evening.
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: where is it located?
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami is located in Bangladesh.
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shrine of Bayazid Bostami, Chittagong Cantonment Museum, haabibiyyaa msjid - Habibiya Masjid.
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Shrine of Bayazid Bostami: why is it worth visiting?
The Shrine of Bayazid Bostami is situated on a hillock in Nasirabad, near Chittagong, and stands as one of the most prominent religious sites in Bangladesh.
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History & landmarks

Central Railway Building — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Central Railway Building
An iconic colonial-era administrative building in Chittagong, reflecting British architectural style and railway history.

Nature

Karnaphuli River — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Karnaphuli River
The largest river in Chittagong region, on whose banks lies the country's largest seaport.
Sangu River — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Sangu River
A river in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, known for its scenic route through the mountains.
Kaptai Lake — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Kaptai Lake
The largest artificial lake in Bangladesh, created by the construction of the Kaptai Dam.
Boga Lake — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Boga Lake
A high-altitude, natural lake in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, surrounded by dense forests.

More places

Foy&#39;s Lake — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Foy's Lake
An artificial lake in Chittagong surrounded by picturesque hills, featuring an amusement park.
Foy&#39;s Lake Amusement World — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Foy's Lake Amusement World
A family-friendly theme park on an artificial lake in Chittagong, surrounded by green hills.
Himchari National Park — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Himchari National Park
A scenic park near Cox's Bazar that combines forested hills and breathtaking ocean views.
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary
An important refuge in the Chittagong district that serves as a crucial corridor for the migration of wild elephants.
Dulahazara Safari Park — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Dulahazara Safari Park
A wildlife park near Cox's Bazar originally established as a sanctuary for Asian elephants.
Kaptai National Park — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Kaptai National Park
A hilly protected area that offers stunning views of Kaptai Lake and is home to many wild animals.
Teknaf Game Reserve — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Teknaf Game Reserve
An elongated forest area in the far south where wild Asian elephants wander through the dense greenery.
Keokradong — Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (Bangladesh)
Keokradong
One of the most famous and frequently visited mountain peaks in Bangladesh.