Mosque and shrine, Brahmanbaria
Arifail Mosqueআরিফাইল মসজিদ
- Time needed
- Forty minutes.
- best months
- Nov–Feb
- Cost
- Free.
A protected 17th-century mosque at Sarail, beside the big Sagardighi tank: two domes on a long hall, thick walls, corner towers and plaster ornament, with a pair of old tombs in the yard.
At a glance
- Dated
- 1662
- Domes
- Two, of different sizes
About
Arifail (locally Aril) stands in Sarail, 15 km north of the town on the Sylhet road. An inscription gives its date as 1662, in the reign of Aurangzeb. The hall is about 24 metres by 8 with two unequal domes, which is unusual, and the walls carry panels and arched niches in plaster; the mihrabs inside are finely worked. Beside it is the Sagardighi, one of the largest tanks in the district, and two domed tombs stand in the compound.
The Department of Archaeology lists it, and it remains a working mosque, so visit between prayers.
Getting there: Bus or CNG from the town up the Sylhet road to Sarail bazar, 30 minutes, then a rickshaw.
Things to do
- Walk the Sagardighi bank after the mosque.
Good to know
- Shoes off, modest dress; ask before photographing worshippers.
