Shait Gumbad, Bangladesh

Shait Gumbad or Sixty Dome Mosque in Bangladesh (Photo by CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62847385)

Shait Gumbad, or the Sixty Dome Gumbad, is a historical Islamic monument in the ancient city of Bagerhat in Bangladesh. It is one of the many historic buildings in the city, which was once a thriving center of Islamic culture and learning in the region.

The gumbad is assumed to have been built during the 15th century, during the reign of the Bengal Sultanate. It is a circular mausoleum with a conical dome, which is covered with terracotta tiles. The exterior of the dome is adorned with intricate terracotta designs and patterns, in typical Bengali architecture. The dome has eight pillars decorated with terracotta motifs.

In the interior, the Shait Gumbad has a large central chamber surrounded by eight smaller chambers. The central chamber has the tomb grave of some Muslim saint, while the smaller chambers are said to be burial sites for his followers.

The Shait Gumbad is one of the finest examples of Bengali Islamic architecture. The building is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several other historic monuments in Bagerhat, which are collectively known as the "Sixty Dome Mosque Complex".