My dhaka
Gol Talab: A pond to remember!
Surrounded by buildings, the roundish tank is a breather, a recluse to the locals and visitors looking for serenity and recreation. To illustrate, one can go angling there in exchange of a fee.
The Mughal mosque of Karwan Bazar
Founded in circa 1680, historians call it the mosque of Khwaja Ambar, stating that Ambar was the "head eunuch" of subahdar Nawab Shaista Khan.
1863 vs 2024: Comparing 2 visuals of a Mughal mosque in Dhaka
Fabeck made a number of artworks depicting Dhaka, such as a beautiful watercolour of Buriganga, which we have featured earlier.
Neglected heritage: A historic gate in ruins
You may have visited Ahsan Manzil — or at least know of it — but did you ever encounter this dilapidated gateway?
How did Motijheel get its name?
Another etymology that somewhat resonates with the aforementioned one is that Motijheel was the name of a canal or rivulet that flowed in or around the area; then, the label was referred to a particular pond, and eventually, an overall locality adopted the name.
A Dhaka puzzle: Secrets of a forgotten building
What is that prominently displayed multi-storied building? The structure is shrouded in mystery, as there is no definite answer as to what purpose the edifice served.
An age-old artwork of a Dhaka heritage
This artwork, from the year 1823, gives a rare glimpse of Boro Katra.
A Buriganga painting from 1861
One such painting was created in the year 1861, by Frederick William Alexander de Fabeck, a doctor who served as an assistant surgeon in Bengal during the British colonial era. Today (15 September) is his birthday!
The beautiful gate of Dhaka Christian Cemetery
After all, we are talking about a graveyard that is very old. According to Perween Hasan's chapter in the book "Dhaka Past, Present, Future," the oldest grave in the compound dates back to 1774!
The almost 400-year-old Eidgah of Dhanmondi
This place holds a lot of historical significance because of its age and also because once upon a time the rulers of Dhaka used to offer Eid prayers here.
The origins of haleem
When was the last time you spent an entire month of Ramadan without eating haleem at least once? This food has indeed survived the test of time!
The Dhaka Gate Cannon: Secrets of Bibi Mariam
Around a couple of months ago, the age-old Dhaka Gate near Doyel Chattar was unveiled to the public upon its renovation. If you visit the Gate, now in renewed glory, you are bound to see an imposing artefact in its premises -- a cannon called Bibi Mariam.
How did Chawk Bazar's iftar market become so famous?
This hints towards a monopoly Chawk Bazar enjoyed in the olden times.
Old traditions of Ramadan moon sighting
People used to gather at Ahsan Manzil, Boro Katra, Choto Katra, and Hussaini Dalan to spot the crescent moon.
Old Dhaka's Ruplal House and its Armenian connection
The mansion was once the home of the affluent and influential merchant Ruplal Das and his family, and hence the stories of their wealth and opulence spin around Ruplal House even today.
Why was Bahadur Shah Park locally called Anta Ghar er Maidan?
Why, though? How did this odd name come about?
Where did the word ‘nihari’ come from?
The stew is a wholesome meal that combines the best in a bowl – a warm soup, spices, meat and bone marrow make up for an amazing comfort food, especially during winter.
Dhaka Gate: Old monument, new life
This old image portraying Dhaka Gate has a rustic vibe — with the grass and pathway and the elephants.
The Legacy of Beauty Boarding
The Boarding started its journey in 1949, putting it as one of the establishments in the capital that has survived through generations.