モスクの建物
1 / 10

Star Mosque (Tara Mosque) Dhaka

4.7
·3k reviews·Dhaka, Bangladesh

An 18th-century architectural gem in Old Dhaka, famed for its dazzling blue star mosaics and intricate porcelain tilework.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, outside prayer times

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
モスクの建物

Star Mosque (Tara Mosque) Dhaka

Best Time

Weekdays, outside prayer times

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An 18th-century architectural gem in Old Dhaka, famed for its dazzling blue star mosaics and intricate porcelain tilework.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"The Star Mosque is a breathtaking display of artistry, a must-see historical marvel in the heart of Old Dhaka."

Vertical photo
TIP

Modest Dress Code

Long pants for men, headscarf for women. Essential for entry. :womaninturban:

Rickshaw Ride

Easiest way to navigate Old Dhaka's busy lanes. :bicycle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinitikri Mosaic Work

Chinitikri Mosaic Work

Interior and Exterior Walls

Intricate mosaics of broken porcelain, glass, and tiles adorn the walls and domes with blue stars and floral patterns.

Star-Studded Domes

Star-Studded Domes

Exterior

The mosque's iconic five domes are covered in vibrant blue stars, giving it the name 'Star Mosque' or 'Tara Masjid'.

Historical Architecture

Historical Architecture

Entire Mosque

An 18th-century Mughal-style mosque transformed with colorful 1926 mosaics, showcasing unique vibrancy and design.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Dress Modestly

As an active place of worship, modest attire is essential. Men should wear long pants, and women need to cover their heads. This ensures respect for the religious site and a smoother entry.

Timing is Key

Visit between prayer times to avoid crowds and experience the mosque's tranquility. The inner chambers are only accessible during prayer times, but outer areas are available otherwise.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, outside prayer times
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

1st Time visiting Biggest Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh #bangladesh #dhaka #travel #usa🇺🇸 #bangladesh🇧🇩
@mrabroadvlogs
52.2K likes • 354.7K views

Modest Dress Code

Long pants for men, headscarf for women. Essential for entry. :womaninturban:

Rickshaw Ride

Easiest way to navigate Old Dhaka's busy lanes. :bicycle:

Combine with Nearby Sites

Visit Ahsan Manzil or Armenian Church for a fuller Old Dhaka experience. :world_map:

Free Entry

No admission fee, but donations are welcome. :moneywithwings:

Tips

from all over the internet

Modest Dress Code

Long pants for men, headscarf for women. Essential for entry. :womaninturban:

Rickshaw Ride

Easiest way to navigate Old Dhaka's busy lanes. :bicycle:

Combine with Nearby Sites

Visit Ahsan Manzil or Armenian Church for a fuller Old Dhaka experience. :world_map:

Free Entry

No admission fee, but donations are welcome. :moneywithwings:

Photography

Capture the stunning mosaic details and star patterns. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Star Mosque for its stunning beauty and historical significance, particularly highlighting the intricate Chinitikri mosaic work and star-adorned domes. Its vibrant design and unique artistry make it a must-see in Old Dhaka. Some note that the inner chambers are only accessible during prayer times, but the outer areas offer ample beauty to admire.

"The mosque is very beautiful and historical. The beauty of mosque specially from the inside is eye-catching. The most inside part of the mosque is open at prayer time only. But it can be possible to spend time in the outer chambers in other time"

MD Yousuf

"Old Mosque are often pleasant to visit, unlike many other this small and old mosque has some unique vibrancy including design color and architectural."

Salim Al-Amin

"The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, is one of the most beautiful and unique mosques in Dhaka. Located in Armanitola, Old Dhaka, it was first built in the early 19th century by Mirza Golam Pir as a simple Mughal-style mosque. Later, in 1926, a local merchant named Ali Jan Bepari transformed it into the stunning structure seen today by decorating it with colorful mosaics. In 1987, the mosque was further expanded from three domes to five to hold more worshippers.

What makes the mosque special is its Chinitikri mosaic work — a decoration made from pieces of broken Chinese porcelain, glass, and tiles. The walls and domes are covered with blue stars, floral patterns, and other designs, giving the mosque its name “Star Mosque.” This creative artwork even includes small scenes like Mount Fuji, showing the blend of local and foreign influences. The mosque is so well loved that it appears on Bangladesh’s five-taka banknote.

Visitors are welcome, and entry is free. However, since it’s an active place of worship, modest clothing is required — long pants for men and a headscarf for women. It’s best to visit between prayer times when it’s less crowded. The mosque sits within the busy lanes of Old Dhaka, so a rickshaw ride is the easiest way to get there.

A visit takes about 30 minutes, and it’s easy to combine with nearby attractions such as Ahsan Manzil or the Armenian Church for a fuller experience of Old Dhaka’s history."

Weaning Ping

What People Like

Stunning mosaic artistry
Unique star designs
Historical architecture

What People Dislike

Inner chambers prayer time access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) is located in Armanitola, Old Dhaka. Due to the busy and narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, taking a rickshaw is often the most convenient and recommended mode of transport to reach the mosque. It's easily accessible by rickshaw from other parts of the city. Reddit

Parking can be extremely challenging in the densely populated Old Dhaka area. It's advisable to rely on ride-sharing apps or rickshaws and get dropped off as close as possible to the mosque. Reddit

For tourists, rickshaws offer an authentic and practical way to navigate Old Dhaka and reach the Star Mosque. Ride-sharing apps are also an option, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion. Reddit

While taxis can get you to the general vicinity of Old Dhaka, the narrow streets might make direct access difficult. A rickshaw is often better for the final leg of the journey. Reddit

Public buses might get you to the outskirts of Old Dhaka, but from there, you'll likely need to switch to a rickshaw or walk to reach the mosque itself. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Star Mosque is free. It is an active place of worship, and visitors are welcome to explore its beauty without an admission fee. Reddit

The mosque is generally open outside of prayer times. The inner chambers are accessible only during prayer times. It's best to visit during daylight hours when it's less crowded. Reddit

Yes, a modest dress code is strictly enforced. Men should wear long pants, and women are required to cover their heads, ideally with a scarf. Reddit

The inner prayer hall is primarily for worshippers and is accessible during prayer times. Visitors can explore the outer chambers and admire the architecture at other times. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, especially to capture the stunning mosaic work. However, always be respectful of worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer times or of individuals without their consent. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Chinitikri mosaic work on the interior and exterior walls, the star-patterned domes, and the intricate tile designs offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The courtyard also provides a good vantage point. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally permitted to capture the mosque's unique beauty. However, always be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

The afternoon often provides good natural light to highlight the vibrant colors of the mosaics. Early morning can also be peaceful, but check prayer times. Reddit

Focus on the blue star motifs, the floral patterns, and the unique Chinese porcelain mosaic work. The blend of local and foreign influences in the artwork is a key feature. Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted in such sensitive religious and urban areas without explicit permission. It's best to stick to handheld photography. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) was first built in the early 19th century. It was later transformed and expanded in 1926 and 1987, giving it its current appearance. Reddit

It began as a simple Mughal-style mosque and was later adorned with Chinitikri mosaic work, a unique decorative style using broken Chinese porcelain, glass, and tiles. Reddit

Its uniqueness lies in the extensive Chinitikri mosaic work featuring blue stars, floral patterns, and even small scenes, reflecting a blend of influences. Reddit

The mosque is named 'Star Mosque' (Tara Masjid) due to the numerous blue star patterns that decorate its domes and walls. Reddit

Yes, the Star Mosque is so iconic that its image has appeared on Bangladesh's five-taka and 100-taka banknotes. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Star Mosque offers a visually stimulating experience for families. The vibrant mosaic patterns and star designs are captivating for children, making it more than just a religious site but also an art exploration. While the inner prayer hall is for worshippers, the outer areas provide space for children to observe and learn about the architecture. Remember to ensure children are dressed modestly and are supervised, especially in the busy lanes of Old Dhaka. TikTokReddit

Consider making the visit a part of a larger Old Dhaka exploration. Combining it with a rickshaw ride can be an adventure in itself for kids. Keep the visit relatively short, around 30 minutes, to maintain their engagement. The historical context can be simplified for younger minds, focusing on the 'star' theme and the beautiful colors. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Star Mosque is a dream. The Chinitikri mosaics offer incredible detail and color, perfect for close-ups. The star motifs on the domes are iconic and make for stunning wide shots. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the day can create dramatic effects on the intricate designs. TikTok

Aim for the afternoon for the best natural light that accentuates the vibrant blues and other colors of the mosaics. Be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive shots. The surrounding Old Dhaka streets also offer excellent street photography opportunities, so bring extra memory cards!

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Chinitikri Mosaics

The Star Mosque is renowned for its distinctive Chinitikri mosaic work. This intricate decorative technique involves using pieces of broken Chinese porcelain, glass, and tiles to create vibrant patterns. The walls and domes are covered with a dazzling array of blue stars, delicate floral motifs, and even small pictorial scenes, such as a depiction of Mount Fuji, showcasing a fascinating fusion of local artistry and foreign influences. This unique style is a major draw for visitors and a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Reddit

This artistic approach not only beautifies the mosque but also tells a story of cultural exchange and adaptation. The careful arrangement of shattered ceramic pieces forms a cohesive and stunning visual narrative, making the Star Mosque a living canvas of historical and artistic significance. The sheer detail and color palette employed in the mosaics are truly captivating and a highlight for any visitor. Reddit

Navigating Old Dhaka's Charm

Visiting the Star Mosque means immersing yourself in the vibrant chaos of Old Dhaka. This historic part of the city is a labyrinth of narrow, bustling lanes, each filled with its own unique character and history. Rickshaws are the quintessential mode of transport here, offering an authentic and often exhilarating way to navigate the crowded streets. Be prepared for a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells as you weave through the city's heart. Reddit

It's highly recommended to combine your visit to the Star Mosque with other nearby historical gems. Ahsan Manzil, the Pink Palace, and the Armenian Church are excellent additions to an Old Dhaka itinerary. These sites offer a deeper understanding of the region's diverse history and architectural heritage. Planning your route and embracing the local transport will enhance your experience of this captivating part of Dhaka. Reddit

You may also like