Star Mosque
A mosque sheathed in stars of broken china
Overview
The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, is a small but dazzling mosque in the Armanitola quarter of Old Dhaka, famous for the carpet of stars that covers it. Its white facade and domes are inlaid with hundreds of blue stars, crescents and floral patterns — a building that rewards a slow, close look amid the dense lanes of the old city.
It is believed to have been built in the first half of the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a local zamindar. The decoration that made it famous came later: around the 1920s a local businessman, Ali Jan Bepari, funded a renovation that clad the mosque in 'chini-tikri' — mosaics made from broken pieces of china and porcelain — using imported Japanese and English tiles. One celebrated panel even depicts Mount Fuji, a surprising touch in the heart of Dhaka.
Originally a modest three-domed mosque, the building was later expanded; renovations in the 1980s added a larger prayer hall and raised the number of domes to five. The mosaic work continues inside, where the mihrab and interior surfaces carry the same intricate tile and china decoration.
Because it remains an active place of worship, the Star Mosque is best visited respectfully and outside the five daily prayer times. Half an hour is enough to take in the glittering exterior and step into the cool, decorated interior — and it sits close enough to Ahsan Manzil and Lalbagh Fort to fold neatly into a day exploring Old Dhaka.
History & Culture
The mosque is believed to have been built in the first half of the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir (Mirza Ahmed Jan), a local zamindar, as a modest three-domed mosque.
Around the 1920s a businessman, Ali Jan Bepari, funded a major renovation that added the chini-tikri mosaic decoration, using imported Japanese and English china — including a panel depicting Mount Fuji.
Further renovation in the 1980s enlarged the prayer area and increased the number of domes from three to five, while keeping the star-mosaic decoration that gives the mosque its name.
Top things to do in Star Mosque
Study the star mosaics
Look closely at the chini-tikri work — hundreds of blue stars, crescents and flowers made from broken china and porcelain across the white facade and domes.
Find the Mount Fuji panel
Seek out the famous mosaic panel depicting Mount Fuji, made with imported Japanese tiles — an unexpected sight in Old Dhaka.
Step inside (between prayers)
Enter the cool, decorated interior to see the mihrab and the tile work, visiting respectfully outside the five daily prayer times.
Photograph the facade
The white-and-blue exterior is the highlight for photographs, best in the soft mid-morning light.
Wander Armanitola
Explore the surrounding old-city lanes, with their workshops, markets and the nearby Armenian heritage of the quarter.
Star Mosque in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓Hundreds of blue stars in chini-tikri (broken-china) mosaic
- ✓A white facade and domes covered in tile work
- ✓A mosaic panel depicting Mount Fuji
- ✓Richly decorated mihrab and interior
- ✓Five domes added in later expansion
- ✓An atmospheric setting in the lanes of Armanitola
How to get to Star Mosque
The mosque is in Armanitola in Old Dhaka, reached by cycle-rickshaw, CNG auto-rickshaw or ride-share through the narrow old-city lanes.
It is roughly 15-17 km from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport — around an hour by car, depending on traffic.
Short rickshaw hops link it with Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort and the other Old Dhaka sights for a combined heritage walk.
Best time to visit Star Mosque
November to February is cool and dry — the most comfortable time to explore the old-city lanes.
Mid-morning, between prayer times, gives both respectful access and the best light on the white-and-blue facade.
March to May is hot, and the monsoon (June to October) brings heavy rain to the narrow lanes.
Where to stay
The Star Mosque is a short city stop rather than a destination in itself; stay anywhere in Dhaka and fold it into an Old Dhaka day.
What to eat
- 🍽️Old Dhaka biryani and morog polao nearby
- 🍽️Bakarkhani bread from the local bakeries
- 🍽️Beauty Lacchi in the old city
- 🍽️Street-side kebabs and snacks in Armanitola
Travel tips
- 💡It is an active mosque — avoid the five daily prayer times when visiting.
- 💡Dress modestly; remove your shoes, and women should carry a scarf.
- 💡The exterior star mosaics are the highlight for photographs.
- 💡Combine it with Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort and the lanes of Old Dhaka.
- 💡Be discreet with photography inside, and ask if unsure.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Star Mosque?+
Because its white facade and domes are covered with hundreds of blue stars made in chini-tikri — mosaic work using broken pieces of china and porcelain. The star motif gives the mosque its name, Tara Masjid.
What is the Mount Fuji panel at the Star Mosque?+
During a 1920s renovation funded by Ali Jan Bepari, imported Japanese china was used in the mosaics, including a famous panel depicting Mount Fuji — an unexpected touch in the heart of Old Dhaka.
Can tourists visit the Star Mosque?+
Yes, but it is an active place of worship, so visit respectfully and outside the five daily prayer times. Dress modestly, remove your shoes, and women should carry a scarf.
How old is the Star Mosque?+
It is believed to date from the first half of the 19th century, built by the zamindar Mirza Ghulam Pir. The famous china-mosaic decoration was added around the 1920s, and the mosque was enlarged to five domes in the 1980s.
How do I get to the Star Mosque?+
It is in the Armanitola area of Old Dhaka, reached by cycle-rickshaw, CNG auto-rickshaw or ride-share through the old-city lanes, about 15-17 km from the airport.
