In Bangladesh, we have inherited centuries of Islamic architectural heritage. There are many wonderful mosques all around the country that are relics of different Muslim eras. A stylish mosque stands less than 250 metres south of Kamalapur bazaar at Gaurnadi upazila in Barishal district. It is called Kamalapur Mosque.

As there is no inscription on the mosque, it is difficult to determine the exact date of its construction. The mosque appears to be a copy of the three-domed Kismat Maria Mosque in Rajshahi. However, from the construction materials, physical appearance and ornamentation, Kamalapur Mosque is assumed to be a Sultani-era structure, built in the 16th century. According to local legend, it was built by two brothers, named Masum Khan and Sufi Khan.  Locally, it is known as Masum Khan Mosque.

The mosque is an oblong-shaped structure, with a low platform. The building is constructed mainly of bricks. It has three bulbous domes on the top, with the central one larger than the other two. The domes are crowned with lotus and kalasa finials. There are eight decorated minarets in the four corners. The mosque is decorated with terracotta plaques with various floral motifs.

The mosque is famous for the stunning terracotta decorations, both inside and outside. A variety of decorative designs, such as floral scrolls, rosettes, cusped arch motifs, etc, are visible at the doorways and the mihrab (niche facing the Kaaba). All these wonderful decorations give the mosque an eye-catching look and notable heritage value.

Kamalapur Mosque or Masum Khan Mosque, no matter what we call it, is a beautiful heritage structure of our country. Due to its outstanding architectural significance, it is now a protected monument of the Department of Archaeology.

References: Mosque Architecture of Pre-Mughal Bengal by Syed Mahmudul Hasan (UPL, 1979); Brihattar Barishal er Oitihashik Nidarshan by Saiful Ahsan Bulbul (2012); District of Bakerganj - Its History and Statistics (1876).

Photos: Writer.