Architecture show “Óld Dhaka” begins at AFD Dhanmandi

Visitors at the architecture exhibition OLD DHAKA - NARRATIVES, REFLECTION, FUTURE at AFD.

The architecture exhibition “OLD DHAKA - NARRATIVES, REFLECTION, FUTURE: Unraveling through Heritage Trails”, by the students from the Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific has begun at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.

The exhibition will be open to all everyday from 3-9 pm at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi till Wednesday, 26 February 2025. 

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“OLD DHAKA - NARRATIVES, REFLECTION, FUTURE: Unraveling through Heritage Trails” 

The historical landmarks and ancient settlements of any country stand as key witnesses to its history and heritage. One such testament is our beloved Old Dhaka, a city woven with four centuries of memories, whose origins trace back to approximately the 7th century AD. Situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka rose to prominence in the 17th century as Jahangirabad, the capital of the Mughal Empire's Bengal province. This city, once the capital under Subahdar Islam Khan, became a vibrant backdrop to the subcontinent's dynamic history, enriched by the footsteps of countless ethnic groups, each adding colourful layers to Dhaka's unique cultural tapestry.

From the final resting place of Pari Bibi within the Lalbagh Fort to the Nawab-era grandeur of Ahsan Manzil, from the countless waves of the ancient Buriganga River to the melodious calls to prayer from mosques like Binat Bibi Mosque, Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque, and the Mosque of Shaista Khan—Old Dhaka echoes with historical narratives. The familiar aroma of spices along the streets of Farashganj, the cherished building of Rup Lal Das, the intellectual exchanges at Beauty Boarding with literary figures like Nirmalendu Goon and Shamsul Haque, the resonant beats of Dhakeshwari Temple's drums, the mournful processions of Hoseni Dalan during Muharram, the church in Armanitola, and the red-bricked Curzon Hall—all weave together to form a vivid chronicle of this historic metropolis.

Old Dhaka continues to shine brightly in the present. However, the pressures of modernity and increasing population density threaten the preservation of its architectural treasures. To ensure that the ancient glory of Dhaka does not fade into mere folklore for future generations, the Department of Architecture at the University of Asia Pacific has been actively working to safeguard this legacy.

A group of dedicated students spent the past years exploring the alleys and corners of Old Dhaka under the leadership of Dr. Abu Sayeed M. Ahmed, a distinguished architectural conservationist and Dean of the Department of Architecture. Through meticulous research, they unearthed not only architectural heritage but also detailed accounts of local lifestyles, professions, and socio-economic conditions. As part of this initiative, six key architectural heritage routes have been identified, offering tourists a fresh perspective to discover Old Dhaka's rich history and cultural legacy. This endeavour aims to foster heritage-based tourism, simultaneously expanding business and professional opportunities for the local community.

The thoughtful and investigative efforts of these architecture students are in this exhibition titled “Old Dhaka - Narratives, Reflection, Future: Unraveling through Heritage Trails”. – Press release