For the first time, a Bangladeshi architecture has earned a place on the list of TIME's World's Greatest Places 2025. The Zebun Nessa Mosque, designed by Saiqa Iqbal Meghna – Director and Partner of Studio Morphogenesis Ltd., who also serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture at BRAC University – has been recognised for its ground-breaking design. Since the inception of the list in 2018, no Bangladeshi location has ever been featured, until now!
Unlike traditional mosques that heavily rely on intricate embellishments and domes, the Zebun Nessa Mosque, situated at Jamgora in Ashulia, prioritises natural light and ventilation and through an intelligent play of geometry, the mosque creates a spiritual ambience that enhances the experience of prayer and reflection.
While speaking on the honour of being featured in TIME, Meghna shared, "The Zebun Nessa Mosque is the first place in Bangladesh to be featured in TIME World's Greatest Places. It feels incredibly rewarding to see a project from Bangladesh being noticed internationally without any external promotion from our side. The overwhelming appreciation from both national and global audiences has been humbling, and it strengthens my responsibility as an architect to continue creating meaningful spaces."
TIME's World's Greatest Places list recognises destinations that offer exceptional and transformative experiences. The Zebun Nessa Mosque is celebrated not only for its religious and spiritual significance but also for its architectural ingenuity. Meghna attributes its global recognition to its unique balance between tradition and modernity.
"The architectural and structural excellence of the mosque speaks for itself. It is a testament to how skilfully our builders and craftsmen can work together to achieve remarkable results," she elaborates.
This achievement draws international attention to Bangladesh's architectural potential, inviting scholars, designers, and global enthusiasts to witness the seamless integration of modernity with tradition. More importantly, it sets a precedent for local architects to embrace innovative yet culturally rooted design solutions.
Meghna's success is also a breakthrough for female architects in Bangladesh, paving the way for more women to take leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring architects, particularly women, proving that impactful design transcends boundaries.
Building on the principles of the Zebun Nessa Mosque, Meghna is already working on another socially impactful project. "I am currently designing a community space and day care centre for women garment workers inside the same industrial compound as the Zebun Nessa Mosque. This project adheres to the same principles of cultural sensitivity and innovation while experimenting with new, low-cost materials to ensure accessibility," she shares.
The Zebun Nessa Mosque has received widespread acclaim beyond its TIME recognition, solidifying its place in the global architectural landscape. Meghna was honoured as the Foreign Countries' Architect of the Year at the 34th JK Architect of the Year Awards, recognising her exceptional contributions to architecture.
Additionally, the mosque was shortlisted among the Top Five Civic Projects on DEZEEN, one of the world's leading online architecture platforms, and was also featured in ARCHDAILY as one of the Top Five Religious Projects, further cementing its significance as an architectural marvel.
As TIME shines a spotlight on this remarkable creation, the world acknowledges Bangladesh's architectural prowess. The Zebun Nessa Mosque is a shining example of how thoughtful design can create spaces that are both functional and transcendent, proving that architecture, at its best, has the power to inspire and uplift humanity.
To read TIME's feature on the Zebun Nessa Mosque, visit: https://time.com/collections/worlds-greatest-places-2025/7263118/zebun-nessa-mosque
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