Old Dhaka

Dhaka Gate: Old monument, new life

This old image portraying Dhaka Gate has a rustic vibe — with the grass and pathway and the elephants.

Gandaria: Sugarcane central of a bygone era

The hint of this past is in its very name — “gandari” means sugarcane, and it is widely believed that the etymology is based on all the sugarcane cultivation that took place there.

Old Dhaka's Beauty Lassi going strong even after 100 years!

How much did our city change in the last 100 years? Definitely an astounding lot! But Beauty Lassi and Falooda has stood — nay, won — the test of time.

The iconic Tara Masjid did not always have those stars!

Today, it is hard to imagine our beloved Star Mosque without its stars. And with that comes the obvious question, what was the name of this mosque before those stars were added?

The archive of Dhaka beneath the city

You were chosen because of your heart. Because of the incredible love you carry, despite the cruelty of this hungry city. Because of the strength you have, forged by the trials and tribulations of Dhaka.

Boats against the current: Reconciling the Dhaka of old with the new

Nadeem Zaman’s The Inheritors retells and recontextualizes one of the most famous stories there ever was—F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925).

The shorbot and juice culture of old Dhaka

In a country that has a hot and sultry climate like ours and most days of the year seem like summer, we have a certain longing for everything cold and refreshing such as shorbot. Especially for people living in older parts of the city, there exists a distinct attachment to shorbot and a glass of freshly extracted juice.

‘Learning from Puran Dhaka’

"Learning from Puran Dhaka: The Urbanity of Occupations along the Buriganga Riverfront", a living exhibition and open workshop, was inaugurated on Saturday at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Heritage no hurdle?

Authorities must save Kayettuli Manasa temple from collapse

November 22, 2022
November 22, 2022

Art vs Development: Should we erase our rich architectural history?

Dhaka's transitions carries the question of whether our historic buildings shall be preserved. From an economic viewpoint, there is financial gain in replacing them with buildings. The question now becomes whether the cultural heritage outweighs this financial gain.

September 13, 2022
September 13, 2022

Even the law can’t protect Dhaka’s heritage!

Authorities must save what’s left of Boro Katra, others

August 19, 2022
August 19, 2022

How Partition impacted the Dhaka book trade

With the expansion of the publishing business, bookshops also sprang up in various parts of Old Dhaka, particularly in Chawkbazar, Islampur, Mughaltuli and Patuatuli. It is estimated that the number of bookshops in Dhaka till 1900 were no less than 40. 

August 10, 2022
August 10, 2022

Old Dhaka must preserve its historic character

Protect heritage sites and buildings from being demolished

August 7, 2022
August 7, 2022

Historic graves at Old Dhaka's Hussaini Dalan that often go unnoticed

Hussaini Dalan is not just a Shiite centre in Dhaka; it is also a Dhaka landmark, spanning centuries of history. While its religious programmes, especially during Muharram and more particularly Ashura are unparalleled, Hussaini Dalan as a Dhaka heritage is extraordinary as well.

May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022

Patuatuli: A treasure trove of affordable, quality glasses in Old Dhaka

Fancy a new frame every day? Spectacles like power glasses help us see the world in a clear way, while sunglasses help to make a fashion statement, providing protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

April 17, 2022
April 17, 2022

Boro Katra, Chhoto Katra: Dhaka's key historic sites in ruins

Dhaka city’s two ancient structures -- Boro Katra and Chhoto Katra -- are at the verge of extinction due to rampant encroachment in absence of government measures to preserve those.

January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022

Your go-to guide to hosting a Shakrain party at the heart of old Dhaka

Shakrain, also known as ‘Poush Songkranti’, takes place to mark the last day of the Bangla month, Poush. It will take place on 14 January this year, with last year’s festivity observed in a limited scale to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. Whether you are hosting for the first time or need a refresher, let us give some pointers to have a fun event this year!

November 15, 2021
November 15, 2021

Beauty Lassi: A legacy of taste

While many establishments struggle to survive in the restaurant business for more than a few years, ‘Beauty Lassi and Falooda’ has done it for a hundred years and it not only survived, it has thrived with glory.

November 14, 2021
November 14, 2021

The best lassi in Dhaka

There are lots of eateries and restaurants in Dhaka that serve delectable lassi, and within these are some places that one must visit. Thus, we set on a hunt down town for the best lassi available!

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