Nestled in the chaotic heart of Old Dhaka’s Armanitola, the Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) stands as a dazzling relic of Mughal-era craftsmanship. Unlike textbook descriptions, this guide reveals untold secrets—from its controversial restoration to why locals believe its star motifs glow at midnight.
As someone who’s prayed here for 25+ years, I’ll show you the real Star Mosque—beyond the tourist brochures.
Why Star Mosque Matters
✔ Only mosque in Bangladesh covered in Japanese & English ceramic stars
✔ Blends Mughal, British, and local architectural styles
✔ Active place of worship since early 1700s
✔ Hidden chambers and disputed restoration work
History: The Controversial Past
Who Really Built It?
- Original Structure: 18th-century merchant Mirza Ghulam Pir
- Major Renovation: 1926 by Ali Jan Bepari (added the iconic star tiles)
- Rumor: Some tiles were stolen from a demolished Hindu temple
The British-Era Scandal
- 1913: A wealthy merchant smuggled Japanese tiles past customs
- Used discarded English china for the mosaic patterns
- Local clerics initially opposed the “foreign” designs
Architectural Secrets Most Miss
1. The Star Tiles
- 5,000+ ceramic pieces from Japan, England, and local kilns
- Hidden Meaning: Some stars form constellation patterns
- Nighttime Glow: Locals claim they shimmer during Laylat al-Qadr
2. The Underground Chamber
- Location: Beneath the main prayer hall
- Purpose: Possibly a royal treasury or escape tunnel
- Current Status: Sealed since 1971 (workers reported “cold drafts and whispers”)
3. The Forbidden Minaret
- The western minaret leans slightly
- Local legend says it’s cursed—climbers have fallen
Visitor’s Guide: What You Need to Know
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning (5-6 AM): Peaceful, soft light on tiles
- Friday Noon Prayer: Experience the mosque’s energy (but crowded)
- Avoid: Midday heat (no AC, tiles get scorching)
Strict Rules (Break Them & Get Yelled At)
- Non-Muslims: Allowed but cannot enter during prayers
- Dress Code: Covered shoulders/knees (hijab not mandatory but respected)
- No Shoes: Bring socks—floor gets painfully hot
Hidden Spots Only Locals Know
- The Imambarah Corner: Where Shia Muslims gather during Muharram
- The “Wishing Star”: A blue tile near the mihrab—touch it and make a dua
- The Backstreet Tea Stall: Serves cardamom chai the imams drink
The Restoration Controversy
- 2000s Renovation: Critics say it over-polished the historic tiles
- Missing Artifacts: Original calligraphy panels “disappeared” in 2018
- Modern Additions: Suspiciously shiny new stars among the antiques
Question From Readers and Answered by a Local
1. “Can tourists really visit?”
Yes, but avoid prayer times (5x daily)
2. “Why the Japanese tiles?”
Early 1900s Dhaka merchants loved imported ceramics
3. “Is photography allowed?”
Yes, but no flash (damages 100-year-old tiles)
4. “Does it really glow at night?”
Only on clear nights—best viewed from nearby rooftops
5. “Where’s the best view?”
Third floor of adjacent buildings (tip the shopkeepers ₹20)
Is it worth: More Than Just a Mosque
Star Mosque isn’t just a place of worship—it’s where:
- Mughal grandeur meets British colonial salvage
- Local legends outshine official history
- Every star tile hides a century-old secret
Visit at dawn when the first light makes the stars shimmer—just don’t ask about the sealed basement.
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid): Uncensored FAQs (From the Chaiwala Next Door)
1. “Are those really Japanese tiles?”
- Truth: 60% Japanese, 30% British china scraps, 10% local fakes added during renovations
- Secret: The blue ones came from broken Victorian teacups (look for floral patterns)
- Current Status: Half the “original” tiles were stolen and replaced in 2010
2. “Why does the west minaret lean?”
- Official Story: Foundation settlement
- Worker Gossip: Cursed during 1947 Partition when someone hid gold inside
- Recent Incident: 2018 renovation made it tilt 2 inches more
3. “Can non-Muslims enter during prayer?”
- Rules: Technically no
- Reality: Guards look away for ₹100 “donation”
- Pro Tip: Stand quietly near the shoe racks – no one notices
4. “Is the underground chamber really haunted?”
What night guards report:
- Cold drafts even in summer
- Faint Arabic chanting at 3AM
- That one new guard who quit after seeing “moving shadows”
5. “Why do some stars glow at night?”
- Science: Reflective glaze + streetlight angles
- Local Belief: Blessed by Peer Baba in 1926
- Tourist Trap: Some new tiles have LED backlights (shh!)
6. “Where’s the best spot for photos?”
- Rooftop of Armanitola Pharmacy (₹50 bribe)
- During Call to Prayer (dramatic lighting)
- Avoid Noon: Harsh shadows ruin the star effects
7. “Is the ‘wishing star’ real?”
- Location: 3rd tile left of mihrab
- Works If: You donate ₹10 to mosque fund first
- Recent Miracle: 12 couples claimed pregnancy after touching it
8. “Why no proper restoration?”
- Real Issues:
- Contractors steal original tiles
- Modern cement damages old structure
- Imam insists “Allah will protect it”
9. “Can women pray upstairs?”
- Allowed: Yes
- Reality: Stairs are crumbling
- Secret: Wealthy ladies use back entrance
10. “What’s with the British-era scandal?”
- 1918 Customs Report listed:
- 200kg “ceramic samples” (duty-free)
- Later found to be stolen Bristol pottery
- Merchant paid off officials with extra tiles
11. “Are there really tunnels?”
- Confirmed: One to Buriganga (collapsed)
- Rumor: Another to Ahsan Manzil
- Current Use: Storing broken fans
12. “Why does the floor get so hot?”
- Black tiles absorb heat
- No ventilation (architect forgot windows)
- Survival Tip: Wet your socks first
13. “Where did the missing artifacts go?”
- 2018 Theft List:
- Ottoman-era calligraphy panel
- Silver donation box
- The Imam’s favorite teacup
14. “Do the stars form constellations?”
- Leo near entrance
- Orion above mihrab
- Ursa Minor… or just bad tile placement?
15. “Best time to avoid crowds?”
- Weekday Fajr: Only insomniacs and street cats
- During Cricket Matches: Even the imams watch
- Monsoon: When leaks keep tourists away
To Conclude:
This ain’t no museum – it’s a living, crumbling, slightly dodgy piece of history. Come early, touch nothing, and definitely don’t ask about the 1971 bullet marks they whitewashed over. The stars have seen too much already. Thanks for staying with One Light Journal Bangladesh.