Korapur Miyabari Mosque- BSS Collage Photo

By Shubhrabrata Dutta

BARISHAL, March 14, 2025 (BSS) - Korapur Miyabari Mosque is a unique example of the ancient architecture of the district. The Miyabari Mosque is still standing as a witness to history since the British era.

The Miyabari Mosque in Korapur village of Raipasha-Karapur union of Sadar upazila of the district is one of the attractions of the ancient architecture.

This mosque was built at the beginning of the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. It is believed that the two-storey mosque was built in 1800. Currently, the mosque is under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology.

There is a room with 6 doors under the diverse and artistic mosque. The diverse and original beauty of the main mosque is revealed on the 2nd floor. This part has all kinds of wonderful design. 

The main mosque has 3 doors, 8 large minarets. There are 12 smaller minarets between the large minarets. There are 3 domes in the middle of the mosque. The inner part of the largest dome has beautiful craftsmanship. There are two 'Dighis' (large ponds) on the east and west sides of the mosque, which further enhance the beauty of the mosque. Currently, enthusiast domestic and foreign tourists come to see this ancient mosque.

According to locals, the spaces between the small minarets of the mosque have been decorated with beautiful craftsmanship designs. There is a wide staircase to go up to the second floor of the mosque. There are two built graves at the bottom of the stairs. But the people of the area do not know whose graves those are.

In this regard, sources from the Department of Archaeology said that this is a mosque built at the beginning of the British period.

The mosque is located in Mia Bari, adjacent to the Barishal-Korapur road on the west side of the city. The founder of this mosque, Hayat Mahmud, was exiled to Prince of Wales Island for rebelling against the British rule.

After 16 long years, he returned to the country and built this two-storey mosque with two ponds. The architecture of the mosque is reminiscent of the Kartlob Khan Mosque built by Shaista Khan in Old Dhaka. There is a wide staircase from outside to the second floor. Tourists from far and wide come to enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the mosque.

Talking to BSS, Mosque Committee President Mizanur Rahman Babul said that 60 people can pray at the Karapur Mia Bari mosque at the same time. However, about 150 to 200 people gather in this mosque during various festivals. Currently, a Madrasa is being run in several rooms on the ground floor of the mosque.

Barisal Press Club President and veteran journalist Aminul Islam Khasru told BSS that this is one of the oldest mosques in Barishal region. It is believed to have been built around 1800. The mosque has recently been painted while other renovation work is progressing.

The only road leading to the mosque is in a very poor condition. Due to lack of renovation, this road has become unusable day by day. It is important to repair this road for the convenience of local people and to attract tourists.