Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque, Mughal mosque in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque is a marble mosque in Chittagong featuring three minarets and combining Indo-Islamic features with traditional Mughal design. The structure displays the classic layout with courtyard, prayer hall, and decorative elements characteristic of this architectural period.
Built in 1667 under Buzurg Umed Khan's direction, it was temporarily used as a British military storage facility before returning to religious use in 1855. This shift from military to religious function reflects the political changes in the region during British rule.
The mosque displays Persian inscriptions commissioned by Shaista Khan, the Subahdar of Bengal, showing how deeply Persian influence shaped Islamic architecture in this region. Visitors can see these details while walking through the courtyard and appreciate the cultural connections Chittagong maintained with the Persian world.
The site is positioned on an elevated location, and it may not be accessible to tourists during prayer times. It is best to visit outside prayer hours and wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
The name Anderkilla comes from its location within the inner fort area, reflecting the strategic importance of the site in the city's early history. The elevated position offered defensive advantages and made the mosque a visible landmark in the urban landscape.
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