Qasba Mosque, Gournadi

Qasba was an important Muslim settlement in the Sultanate period, and its mosque dates from the early 16th century, in the time of Alauddin Husain Shah. Nine domes sit on thick brick walls, with corner towers and terracotta work around the arches, much like the Nine Dome Mosque in Bagerhat. Locals often credit it to the Mughal faujdar Sabi Khan, but historians place it earlier. The mosque is still used for daily prayers and is protected by the Department of Archaeology. It is one of the oldest standing buildings in greater Barishal.

How to get there

Take any Dhaka-bound bus from Barishal's Nathullabad terminal and get off at Gournadi; the mosque is in Qasba village by the highway, a short rickshaw ride away.

Good to know

It is an active mosque: dress modestly, remove shoes, and avoid prayer times. Women may be asked to view from outside.

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• #sultanate
• #heritage
• #terracotta