Old Dhaka

Old Dhaka is a term used to refer to the historic old city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. It was founded in 1608 as Jahangir Nagar, the capital of Mughal Bengal. It was one of the largest and most prosperous cities of the Indian subcontinent and the center of the worldwide muslin trade.

History

The history of Old Dhaka dates back to the first millennium. The city was a center of the Buddhist and Hindu empires, but its development as a significant settlement occurred after the establishment of the Islamic rule in the 7th century. The city's growth continued under the Mughal Empire when it became the capital of Bengal. The city was known as Jahangir Nagar during the Mughal period, named after the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Architecture

Old Dhaka is famous for its distinctive architecture, with numerous mosques, temples, palaces and forts that display the rich history of the area. Notable architectural landmarks include the Lalbagh Fort, Star Mosque, and Dhakeshwari Temple.

Culture

The culture of Old Dhaka is deeply rooted in its history. The area is known for its unique traditions, festivals such as Shakrain Festival, and culinary specialties like Haji Biriyani and Bakarkhani. The Bengali language is the most commonly spoken language in Old Dhaka.

Economy

The economy of Old Dhaka is diverse, with a mix of retail, manufacturing and service sectors. The area is known for its bustling bazaars and markets, including Shankhari Bazaar, Lakshmi Bazaar, and Tanti Bazaar.

Education

Old Dhaka is home to some of the oldest educational institutions in Bangladesh, including Dhaka College and Jagannath University.

See also

• History of Dhaka
• Culture of Dhaka
• Economy of Dhaka
• Education in Dhaka