On 21st February 2022, I had the privilege of seeing the beautiful Red Mosque or Doleshwar Hanafia Jame Mosque in South Keraniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Location
Doleshwar Hanafia Jame Mosque
South Keraniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
https://goo.gl/maps/9eWkpbKdTc55x5ng9
History
It is known that the late Daroga Aminuddin Ahmed Bangla started the construction of the unique architecturally beautiful mosque on his own initiative in the year 1275 (English 18, Hijri 1275). It is rumored that Daroga Aminuddin Ahmed was the first initiator in the construction of the mosque and it was known as âDaroga Mosqueâ. His son Moizuddin Ahmed was the first motwali of the mosque. Moizuddin Ahmed, Tamizuddin Ahmed, Karimuddin Ahmed, Khidir Box Mia and Abdur Gafur Ahmed donated land for the mosque.
According to the signboard in front of the mosque, brothers Khidir Box and Quader Box and Moizuddin Ahmedâs family have been involved in the construction and renovation of the mosque for generations. Quader Box grandson and Hafez. Musharrafâs son Hamidur Rahman, then a member of the National Assembly, built the extended part of the mosque in 1986.
The mosque was then expanded more than once. The infrastructure of this mosque was on the verge of collapse. Local MP Nasrul Hamid took the initiative to renovate the mosque. On his initiative, the architect Abu Saeed M Ahmed started the renovation work by keeping the mosque infrastructure intact. The renovation work was completed in 2016. Another new mosque was built next to the old one. The old mosque is now being used as a library and maktab.
Source: https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/wholecountry/222983.htm
International recognition
This red mosque is recognized two prestigious awards.
- UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award-2021
On the first day of December 2021, the old mosque next to the Red Mosque won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award-2021 Cycle for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Architect Saeed Mostaq Ahmed received the âAward of Meritâ for the renovation and preservation of the old mosque. Every year, UNESCO recognizes the best works of various countries in the Asia-Pacific region, from Fiji to Kazakhstan. The award is called âAsia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.â In 2021, it recognized nine installations in six countries.
UNESCO said in a statement that the diversity of heritage preserved through these installations is truly commendable. The award winning installations have various aspects of sustainable development. UNESCOâs expert committee analyzes whether the old installations have been properly preserved. The Doleshwar Hanafia Jame Mosque has been renovated.
Architect Abu Saeed M Ahmed said that UNESCO encourages the initiatives of individuals and non-governmental organizations to maintain the old structures. That is why UNESCO has introduced this award since 2000. Doleshwar Hanafia Mosque has met the criteria of UNESCO. Usually in Bangladesh old mosques are demolished and new ones are built. In this case the new one has been made keeping the old one. And the old one has been taken to its original state.
Source: https://www.somoyerkonthosor.com/2021/12/05/505941.htm
- Abdul Latif Fouzan International Mosque Architecture Award
On the night of 15 December 2021, the prestigious Abdul Latif Fouzan International Mosque won the Architecture Award at a royal glitter ceremony held at the Al Salam Conference Hall of the Islamic University of Medina. The award was given to seven mosques from around the world. The Red Mosque at Doleshwar in Keraniganj is one of them. A total of 201 mosques from 43 countries from three continents participated in the competition. The award was given to Doleshwar Hanafia Mosque (Red Mosque) from a short list of 26 mosques. Apart from Bangladesh, other selected Muslim countries are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Indonesia, Male and Turkey.
Source: http://www.kholakagojbd.com/religion/91816.htm
Specialization of religious institutions as installations
When it comes to ancient architecture in this region, various religious structures including mosques, temples and churches come to the fore. Besides, some zamindar houses can also be seen. But due to lack of reforms, various zamindar houses have been demolished. The mosques in the region are of a different style than the mosques in the Arab world. One will not find a minaret anywhere in our old mosques. The Bengalis did not know anything like a minaret. The way the infrastructure was built with limestone is also different from others. When an area is attacked by an external enemy, houses are destroyed but religious structures are not usually destroyed. That is why they survive.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/bengali/news-59523035
State Minister Nasrul Hamid Bipuâs Statement
On the 50th anniversary of our victory, this is great news for us. The Red Mosque of Keraniganj has been selected for the aesthetic display of mosque architecture in the Muslim world. Earlier this month, the old building next to the new Red Mosque received UNESCO recognition. In just 15 days, the two new and old installations have won two prestigious awards in the world. We are proud of that.
Source: https://www.jaijaidinbd.com/wholecountry/222983
Tourists from different parts of the country, even from home and abroad, come to see the mosque in Keraniganj. This modern mosque attracts the attention of tourists. For this reason, this unique installation has been featured more than once in the international media.
