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The Shat Gombuj Mosque, also known as the Sixty Dome Mosque, is a historical mosque located in Bagerhat, Khulna Division, Bangladesh.

Visual Characteristics

This 15th-century mosque is constructed primarily from brick. It features a large, rectangular prayer hall with a slightly curved roofline. The exterior is characterized by numerous small, arched niches and buttresses. The interior contains a central dome supported by four massive brick pillars, with smaller domes covering the surrounding areas. The mosque has a total of 77 domes, though it is commonly referred to as the Sixty Dome Mosque.

Location & Access Logistics

The Shat Gombuj Mosque is situated approximately 5 kilometers south of the city of Bagerhat. Access from Khulna city involves traveling via National Highway 1 (N1) towards Bagerhat, a journey of roughly 35 kilometers. Local transport options from Bagerhat town include auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Limited parking is available near the mosque complex.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The mosque was built by Ulugh Khan Jahan, a Turkish general and saint, in the mid-15th century. Its original purpose was as a congregational mosque and administrative center for the Sultanate of Bengal. The structure is an example of the Sultanate architectural style, influenced by local traditions and Islamic designs.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the main prayer hall and observe the architectural details. Photography of the exterior and interior is permitted. Walking the grounds surrounding the mosque provides context for its historical setting. Guided tours are sometimes available from local guides.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic restroom facilities are available on-site. Shaded areas are present within the mosque complex. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable in the vicinity. Food vendors are typically found outside the main entrance, offering local snacks and beverages.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time for visiting is during the cooler months, from October to March. Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) offer softer lighting for photography and more comfortable temperatures. There are no specific tide requirements for visiting this inland structure.

Facts & Legends

A local legend suggests that the mosque was originally intended to have 60 domes, but the architect added 17 more to surpass the number of domes in the Adina Mosque in Gaur, India. Another notable fact is that the mosque is part of the larger Bagerhat Mosque City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nearby Landmarks

• Shat Gombuj Masjid Museum (0.1km North)
• Khan Jahan Ali Mausoleum (1.5km North)
• Nine Dome Mosque (2.0km North)
• Chunakhola Mosque (2.5km North)
• Bibiana Mosque (3.0km North)