Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)
A 19th-century Armanitola mosque encrusted with star-motif Japanese and English chinaware mosaic.
📍 Location & access
🧭 Planning your trip
The best window for Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) is All year. November to February is the easiest season for travel across Bangladesh generally - cool and dry - while the monsoon between June and September is when the haors, waterfalls and hills are at their most dramatic.
How to reach: In Armanitola, Old Dhaka; reachable by rickshaw or CNG in about 30–45 minutes from central Dhaka, depending on traffic.
Dhaka is known for capital city, Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, muslin heritage.
History
Originally built in the early 19th century by local zamindar Mirza Ghulam Pir, the mosque was substantially rebuilt and decorated in the 1920s–30s by businessman Ali Jan Bepari, who covered the walls with star-motif mosaics made from broken china and Japanese tiles.
✅ Tips for visiting
- Look closely at the mosaic details - much of it is made from repurposed broken crockery.
- Visit outside prayer times to look around without disturbing worshippers.
- Combine with Ahsan Manzil and Lalbagh Fort, both a short ride away in Old Dhaka.
🧭 Nearby
- Ahsan Manzil
- Lalbagh Fort
- Armenian Church
- Shakhari Bazar
Sunrise and sunset at Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) today
Useful for planning the golden hour - 11:36 of daylight.
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Heritage NaogaonFrequently asked questions about Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)
Where is Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)?
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) is in Dhaka district, Bangladesh, at 23.7203°N, 90.4033°E.
When is the best time to visit Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)?
The best season to visit Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) is All year.
What is Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) known for?
A 19th-century Armanitola mosque encrusted with star-motif Japanese and English chinaware mosaic.
How do I get to Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)?
In Armanitola, Old Dhaka; reachable by rickshaw or CNG in about 30–45 minutes from central Dhaka, depending on traffic.
How much does it cost to visit Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)?
Free entry; modest dress is expected and non-Muslim visitors should avoid entering during prayer times.