Star Mosque
About Star Mosque
The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, stands in the Armanitola area of Old Dhaka. It was built in the early 19th century as a simple Mughal-style mosque and was later extended and redecorated in the early 20th century.
That redecoration is what makes it famous. The walls, domes and arches are covered in chinitikri, a mosaic made of pieces of china plates and ceramic tiles. Blue and white stars cover the domes, and inside you find floral patterns, crescent moons and tiles brought from as far as Japan and England.
It is a small building, so the visit is short, but it is one of the most photographed places in the old city. The colours are at their best in the soft light of morning or late afternoon.
The Star Mosque sits a few minutes from the Armenian Church, and we usually see both on private Old Dhaka tours before heading to Ahsan Manzil and the river.
Things to do
-
Study the mosaic
Look closely at the chinitikri: stars, flowers and patterns made from broken china and tiles.
-
Photograph the domes
The star-covered domes and facade are among the most photogenic sights in Old Dhaka.
-
Walk Armanitola
Continue on foot to the nearby Armenian Church and the old merchant lanes around it.
Getting there
From central Dhaka: 45 minutes to over an hour by car from Gulshan or Banani. The last stretch through Armanitola is easiest by rickshaw or on foot.
Where to stay
Stay in Gulshan, Banani or central Dhaka and visit as part of a full day in Old Dhaka.
Tours that visit Star Mosque
Holiday Tours
Bangladesh Cultural and Heritage Discovery Tour
from $800 per person
Day Tours
Dhaka City Day Tour
from $50 per person
Short Tours
Dhaka, Barisal & Sundarbans Heritage Tour
from $300 per person
Holiday Tours
Explore the Natural Beauty of Bangladesh
Price on request
Holiday Tours
Ten Days Across Bangladesh
from $800 per person
Short Tours
The Best of Bangladesh: City, Tea & Heritage Tour
from $500 per person
Questions
Can tourists visit the Star Mosque?
Yes, visitors are generally welcome outside prayer times if they dress modestly and remove their shoes.
What is the mosaic made of?
Pieces of china plates and ceramic tiles, a technique called chinitikri. Some tiles came from Japan and England.
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 30 minutes. It is a small mosque.
What is nearby?
The Armenian Church is a few minutes away on foot, and Ahsan Manzil and Sadarghat are a short ride towards the river.