Photo: BSS

By Md. Shariful Islam

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, Oct 22, 2025 (BSS) - Sonamasjid, a 500-year-old architectural masterpiece, stands as a proud witness to Bengal’s rich history and remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists. 

Its exquisite design and historic significance attract visitors from home and abroad. Not only history enthusiast but also lovers of nature and culture find this site captivating.

Located in the ancient city of Gaur, Sonamasjid is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in North Bengal and across Bangladesh. Built during the Sultanate period, the mosque holds international appeal as a major heritage site.

Situated in Pirojpur village under Shahbajpur Union of Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj district, the mosque lies about 85 kilometers from Rajshahi city and 35 kilometers from Chapainawabganj town’s Bishwa road intersection. Just before the Sonamasjid land port, the mosque stands gracefully beside a large pond on the right side of the highway. It can be easily accessed by bus, microbus, CNG-run auto-rickshaw or any other local transport.

The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493–1519 AD). According to an inscription over the main entrance, it was constructed by one Majlis-E-Majalis Majlis Mansur Wali Muhammad bin Ali.

After being severely damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1897, the British government repaired it in 1900, replacing some of the original stonework with brick.

The mosque made of brick with an outer layer of stone, measures 82 by 52.5 feet on the outside and 70 feet 4 inches by 40 feet 9 inches inside, with a height of about 20 feet. Its central prayer halls are covered with four intersecting domes, while on each side there are six round domes. In addition, three chauchala (pyramid-shaped) domes are placed in the middle, featuring intricate rose-like carvings on their inner sides.

There are four corner towers, each octagonal at the base, adorned with ring-like decorations along their height. The mosque’s facade features five doorways, while the right and left sides each have three. Every doorway and wall surface bears delicately carved ornamentation — shallow yet finely detailed.

The arched stone gateway at the entrance is richly decorated. In front of it lie rows of ancient graves, all enclosed with stone borders, adding to the site’s historical atmosphere.

The mosque’s decorations include carved stone, arranged brickwork, glazed terracotta tiles, and ornamental motifs — with carved stonework being the most dominant.

In the southeast corner of the mosque complex, there are the graves of Birshreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir and Shaheed Major Nazmul Haque Tulu, two valiant freedom fighters whose graves draw many visitors.

Kayes Ali, a visitor from Nandigram upazila in Bogura, told BSS, “I had heard stories of Sonamasjid since childhood and read about it in books. I always wanted to see it in person. Finally, I got the chance today, and it’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

Another visitor, Mainul Islam Dipu from Bagha in Rajshahi, said, “I had always dreamed of visiting Sonamasjid. Today, I offered prayers here, toured the area, and visited the graves of two national heroes. It feels truly special.”

With its 500 years of history and stunning architecture, Sonamasjid continues to attract not only local tourists but also visitors from around the world. Foreign travelers can often be seen exploring the site.

Apart from Sonamasjid, the surrounding areas also have several other medieval architectural treasures — including the Darasbari Mosque and Madrasa, Khanjan Dighi Mosque, Tahkhana Complex, Teen Gumbuj Masjid, the shrine of Shah Niamatullah, and Dhaniyachak Mosque — which together make the region a paradise for heritage lovers.