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!
Shah Jahan's Dhaka visit before he became the Mughal emperor
Before he became an emperor, he actually came to our city in 1624.
Rose Garden and a story of rise and fall of affluence
It was also rumoured that Rose Garden was made to compete with the famous Baldah Garden, which was one of the venues for elite parties, and that the insult probably came from someone associated with the affluent Baldah family.
Our undying love for kebabs in Dhaka
Once upon a time, naan-taftan was a kind of bread that accompanied assorted kebabs — essentially a kebab platter — among which, this sheekh kebab was much-cherished.
The iconic Tara Masjid did not always have those stars!
Today, it is hard to imagine our beloved Star Mosque without its stars. And with that comes the obvious question, what was the name of this mosque before those stars were added?
Buriganga once flowed beside Lalbagh Kella
Centuries ago, the walls of the fort actually touched the water of this river.
10 Things I Hate About Dhaka
I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.
The pleasure of knowing your neighbourhood
Safe, vibrant public spaces are so rare in Dhaka that the months from January to early March feel like a gift from the universe when the Bangla Academy comes alive with the Dhaka Lit Fest, followed by the Dhaka Art Summit and the February extravaganza of the Ekushey Boi Mela. Since 2020, the Gulshan Book Fair has added to the series of treats for those of us who crave creative festivals in this city.
History of the Greek community in Dhaka
A small yellow building that looks a little like a Greek temple faces the campus wall near the Teacher-Student Center of Dhaka University.