Sonargaon
Sonargaon is a town in the Dhaka Division. It has survived through many historical periods under the rule of various sultanates and empires, and was one of the original capitals of the Bengal region.
Understand
The British eventually took control of the region, and although it lost much of its significance, the city was further developed with a new neighbourhood called Panam City, which was settled by wealthy Hindu merchants.
Much of the old Hindu and Mughal buildings are gone or ruined, but some have survived. Many of the British-era structures are still present today.
Get in
Get around
See
SadarbariAn old mansion built in 1901 to house a Hindu Zamindar. A mix of Indian, European and Mughal architecture. One entrance has steps leading down to the tranquil lake, while the other is embellished with a beautiful mosaic of blue and white tiles. There is an exhibition inside, with numerous displays concerning the area. There is also a gift shop.
Panam CityFirst settled by wealthy Hindu merchants in the late 19th century, they fled to India during the Partition of India when Bengal became a Muslim region. The area was largely abandoned, leaving it today as a crumbling neighbourhood of huge mansions slowly being reclaimed by nature. The narrow street of mixed architecture has a lot of charm, being a mystical town from centuries past.
Goaldi MosqueA small mosque built by Mullah Hisabar Akbar in 1519 CE. It has been fairly well-maintained by the Government, and tourists are welcome to visit in a respectful manner. There is another mosque about 50 metres away, built during the Mughal era.
Mosque and Tomb of Pir Mohammad YusufAn old mosque built to honour a Sufi saint, along with his tomb. Built 1700 CE.
Tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam ShahThe oldest surviving Muslim monument in the country, it is the resting place of the independent Sultan. Although the site carries a lot of history, it doesn't carry any real historical architecture and is quite unimpressive.
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Panch Pir Dargah
address: SachilpurTombs of Sufi saints (Pirs) from the 17th century. A historical mosque is also on site. Shiva ShrineJust north of Panam City there is a tall Hindu Shiva Shrine.
Buy
Folk-Art and Crafts Museum Gift ShopLocated inside the Sadarbari museum, this store sells a variety of handicrafts, including vases, jewellery, saris and dolls.