The most beautiful mosque in Chattogram

Chandanpura Masjid is a mosque situated in the old part of Chattogram on the road to Kaptai in Bangladesh. It is famous landmark in Chattogram and a popular tourist attraction for its impressive architecture consisting of multiple domes and minarets painted in bright colors. Although it was renovated in 1952, the mosque has deteriorated over the years due to environmental factors, such as air pollution.

The mosque consists of multiple domes and soaring minarets painted in bright, jovial colors. The mosque is spacious, with slender columns, elongated buttresses and intricately designed balusters. 

Although it was renovated in 1952, little is known about the origin and the history behind the mosque except for the local historians. During a walk from Anderkilla Shahi Jame Masjid to the famous Chawkbazar, be sure to stop at Chandanpura Masjid and marvel the colours and architecture and say a prayer.

According to historians, it was built in 1870 by one Master Abdul Hamid, a contractor. After its construction, the mosque used to be known as Hamidia-Taj-Masjid. Builders and architects from Lucknow and Mumbai (of India) were brought in for the work.

Later in 1947, Abu Syed Dobhash, a descendant of Hamid, took the initiative to renovate the mosque, which was completed in 1952. It had cost around Tk 4 lakh for the renovation.At present, a committee formed by descendants of Dobhash looks after the mosque.

The two-storey structure with an entrance in the middle has two staircases zigzagging to the top of two minarets on both sides. Railings of the staircases are decorated with multi-coloured floral designs. Both minarets are around seven-storey tall.In total, there are five domes with a large onion dome at the centre -- surrounded by structures intricately designed like petals.

"Chandanpura mosque stands out for its delicate ornamentation," said architect Kuheli Chowdhury.The teacher of Premier University, Chattogram added, "The massive vaulted-gate was constructed not only as an entrance, but also to welcome all.

Alongside being a prayer hall, this mosque offered people a place to unwind." She said the major attraction of the structure are the minarets. "They were constructed in such a way that sunlight can enter the floors easily." While visiting the place, people often get mesmerized by this "hide and seek" between sunlight and shadows, she added.

The mosque is located between Andarkilla and Chawkbazar intersections -- two densely-populated areas in the city. Locals worry that rapid urban sprawl may eventually have a negative impact on the area, especially the structure.

"This mosque is a part of our identity. It never ceases to amaze us even after so many years. Before, we could see it from afar. But the surrounding is not the same anymore. The area is suffering from unplanned urbanization," said Safayet Adib, a banker by profession. Many nearby buildings are also blocking the view, said locals.

During a recent visit, this correspondent also saw several multi-storied buildings were being constructed in the area while heavy vehicles plying the adjacent roads throughout the day.

Architect Kuheli said when heavy vehicles continue to ply the road next to the mosque, its columns vibrate. Base of the structure may become unstable due to that, she said.

"In order to preserve the mosque, it is necessary to ban movement of heavy vehicles on the road or if needed shift it elsewhere. Otherwise, it will be difficult to preserve the mosque, despite all the maintenance works," she said.