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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Star Mosque (Tara Mosque) Dhaka
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 18th-century architectural gem in Old Dhaka, famed for its dazzling blue star mosaics and intricate porcelain tilework.
"The Star Mosque is a breathtaking display of artistry, a must-see historical marvel in the heart of Old Dhaka."

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Historical Architecture
Entire Mosque
An 18th-century Mughal-style mosque transformed with colorful 1926 mosaics, showcasing unique vibrancy and design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Modestly
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography is generally permitted to capture the mosque's unique beauty. However, always be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography.
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.
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.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in such sensitive religious and urban areas without explicit permission. It's best to stick to handheld photography.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
Its uniqueness lies in the extensive Chinitikri mosaic work featuring blue stars, floral patterns, and even small scenes, reflecting a blend of influences.
The mosque is named 'Star Mosque' (Tara Masjid) due to the numerous blue star patterns that decorate its domes and walls.
Yes, the Star Mosque is so iconic that its image has appeared on Bangladesh's five-taka and 100-taka banknotes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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
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.
Navigating Old Dhaka's Charm
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.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit