Aokora Mosque

Aokora Mosjid
Religion
Affiliation	Islam
District	Dinajpur District
Region	Rangpur Division
Location
Location	Khansama Upazila
Country	Bangladesh
Location of Aokora Mosjid in the map of Bangladesh
Geographic coordinates	25.84403°N 88.78513°E / 25.84403; 88.78513
Architecture
Type	Mughal architecture
Founder	Mirja Lal beg
Date established	1766

Aokora Mosque (Bengali: আওকরা মসজিদ) is an ancient mosque located in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. The mosque was established in 1766 by Mirza Lal Beg.

Location

One of the old traditional buildings in Dinajpur is the 258-years-old Aokora Mosjid of Khansama Upazila. This traditional structure is located on the border of Pakerhat village of Angarpara union of the upazila on the banks of Belan river flowing in Bukchir of Hasimpur area at a place called Mirza Mat.

History of nomenclature and architects

There is a miraculous history behind its naming. There are many stories surrounding this ancient mosque. The word 'Aokora' means to speak. Legend has it that talking while walking past this mosque would echo. Hence the locals named the mosque 'Aokora' or the Talking Mosque. However, no one could say what the mosque was called when it was built.

There is a legend that once there was a Muslim settlement around the mosque. Mirza Lal Beg built the mosque in 1766 thinking of the devout Muslims. At that time religious rituals were performed here along with prayers. Its architectural style is interior contemporary craftsmanship.