Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra | Namibe

Information

Landmark: Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra
City: Namibe
Country: Angola
Continent: Africa

Fortaleza de São Pedro da Barra, Namibe, Angola, Africa

The Bagha Mosque is a historic Islamic structure located in Bagha Upazila, Rajshahi District, Bangladesh.

Visual Characteristics

The mosque is constructed primarily from brick, with terracotta ornamentation. It features a rectangular plan with a central dome and four smaller domes. The exterior walls are adorned with intricate terracotta panels depicting floral motifs, geometric patterns, and scenes from daily life. The main prayer hall is accessible through a series of arched doorways. The mosque's dimensions are approximately 25.6 meters by 12.2 meters.

Location & Access Logistics

The Bagha Mosque is situated approximately 55 kilometers east of Rajshahi city center. Access is via National Highway 6 (N6) towards Natore, then turning off onto local roads leading to Bagha. Public transport options include buses from Rajshahi to Bagha, followed by a short rickshaw or auto-rickshaw ride to the mosque. Limited parking is available near the site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The mosque was built in 1523 AD during the reign of Sultan Nusrat Shah of the Bengal Sultanate. It was commissioned by a Sufi saint, Hazrat Shah Daulah. The mosque's construction reflects the architectural style prevalent during the Sultanate period, characterized by brickwork and terracotta embellishments.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the detailed terracotta artwork on the mosque's exterior and interior. The central dome and the prayer hall are significant architectural features. Photography of the architectural details is permitted. The adjacent tomb complex of Hazrat Shah Daulah is also a point of interest.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic restroom facilities are available near the mosque complex. Shade is provided by trees within the complex. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. Food vendors are typically present outside the mosque complex, offering local snacks and beverages.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight highlights the terracotta details. The dry season, from October to March, offers the most pleasant weather for visiting. There are no tide-related considerations for this inland site.

Facts & Legends

A local legend states that the mosque was built on the site where a saint, Hazrat Shah Daulah, defeated a demon. Another notable fact is the extensive use of terracotta panels, which are a hallmark of medieval Bengali architecture and provide a rich visual narrative.