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Star Mosque

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historical-site
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Star Mosque (Bangladesh)

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The Star Mosque, locally known as Tara Masjid, is one of the most visually striking religious landmarks in Dhaka, located in the Armanitola area. It was originally built in the early 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir in a typical Mughal style, initially featuring three domes. Its current ornate appearance is the result of later renovations that applied the Chinitikri technique, which involves creating mosaics from broken pieces of porcelain and glass. In the 1920s, a local merchant named Ali Jan Bepari funded the elaborate decoration using Japanese and English porcelain shards. The mosque is famous for the hundreds of blue star patterns on a white background that cover its walls and domes, giving it its popular name. In 1987, the mosque was expanded further, increasing the number of domes from three to five. It stands as a significant example of decorative craftsmanship and is a prominent site for both worship and architectural study in Bangladesh.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C182227303029282828262319
Rain mm920501492923824373592831853818

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Star Mosque in Dhaka can be visited during prayer times and outside them. The interior is open to visitors, but modest dress is required.
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Typical hours
The mosque is usually open from morning to evening, with breaks during prayers. On Fridays, access for tourists may be restricted.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed, but without flash and forbidden during prayers. The blue star mosaics provide great shots.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes for visiting the mosque. The detailed mosaics and peaceful atmosphere invite you to linger.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Hussaini Dalan and old Dhaka. Lalbagh Fort is also a short rickshaw ride away.
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Getting there
The mosque is located in the Armanitola neighborhood of old Dhaka. It is reachable by rickshaw from the business district in about 15 minutes.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning when the mosque is quiet and the light highlights the mosaics. Remove shoes before entering.

Geography

Coordinates
23.71420, 90.39530

Facts

  • The mosque was originally built in the early 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir.
  • It is famous for its Chinitikri mosaics made from broken porcelain shards.
  • The structure originally had three domes, but it now features five.
  • The iconic blue star motifs were added during a renovation in the 1920s.
  • Porcelain used for the decorations was imported from Japan and England.
  • One of the wall mosaics uniquely depicts Mount Fuji in Japan.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bara KatraBara Katra<1 km · SExplore →
Bahadur Shah ParkBahadur Shah Park2 km · NExplore →
Bangabandhu Memorial MuseumBangabandhu Memorial Museum2 km · SExplore →
Gangkhar PuensumGangkhar Puensum3 km · WExplore →
Rose Garden PalaceRose Garden Palace3 km · NExplore →
National Botanical Garden of BangladeshNational Botanical Garden of Bangladesh5 km · SExplore →
Jigmeling Industrial ParkJigmeling Industrial Park8 km · NExplore →
Payra Sea PortPayra Sea Port11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Star Mosque (7)

Choto Katra🏺 historical

A 17th-century Mughal caravanserai built by Shaista Khan on the banks of the Buriganga.

Boro Katra🏺 historical

A monumental 17th-century palace and caravanserai built during the Mughal era near the Buriganga River.

ckbaajaar shaahii msjid⛪ religious

A historic Mughal-era mosque built in 1676, featuring three domes and a high platform.

Churihatta Jame Moshjid⛪ religious

A historic Mughal mosque built in 1649, notable for its flat roof and traditional decorative elements.

Begum Bazar Shahi Masjid📍 landmark

A prominent historic mosque located in the heart of the bustling Begum Bazar area.

Golam Mostafa Lane Jame Mosque📍 landmark

A community mosque tucked away in the narrow residential Golam Mostafa Lane.

Satrowza Khaze Nehal Jame Mosque📍 landmark

An active congregational mosque serving the Satrowza neighborhood in Old Dhaka.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Star Mosque?
Because of the countless blue stars in mosaic decoration on the walls.
Where in Dhaka is it located?
In the Armanitola area of Old Dhaka.
What technique was used for the mosaics?
The 'Chini Tikri' technique, using broken pieces of Chinese porcelain.
Are there fixed visiting hours?
Visits are possible during the day, except during prayer times.
What should be kept in mind during the visit?
Remove shoes and wear modest clothing.
Star Mosque: where is it located?
Star Mosque is located in Bangladesh.
Star Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Choto Katra, Boro Katra, ckbaajaar shaahii msjid.
Star Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Star Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Star Mosque, locally known as Tara Masjid, is one of the most visually striking religious landmarks in Dhaka, located in the Armanitola area.
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