Focus Bangladesh Blog:The photoblog on Bangladesh

A walk through the History-Old Dhaka:Part-1

Saturday, July 17, 2010

A typical narrow road of old Dhaka

The gate of Historical Tara Mosque

Armenian Church at Aremanitola

Image of you in a cloud rolls by
The sky opens up, somewhere in my mind
A vision of you in a pale blue dress
Tears falling down, you took my breath
Memories of you . . .

Rain always hides these tears in my eyes
Thunder laughs and my soul dies
Will I hear your voice
Will I touch your skin
Will the ocean waves let me in

Epitaph read like a warning sign
Lightning strikes, I close my eyes
A vision of you in a torn red dress
Tears in your eyes, your hair a mess
Memories of you . . .

Rain always hides these tears in my eyes
Thunder laughs and my soul dies
Will I hear your voice
Will I touch your skin
Will the ocean waves let me in

The time is near, the time is nigh
To answer the call, to answer the cry
My head still spins, my body aches
Cold wind stings my eyes, my face
Look around, no one there
Will anybody notice, anyone care . . .

Will I hear you laugh
Will I see you cry
Will this world just end and let me die
by Jaimie D. Travis

View Larger Map

A Epitaph
'A FOND WIFE'S TRIBUTE
TO HER DEEPLY MOURNED
AND BEST OF HUSBANDS
CATCHICK AVIETICK THOMAS
DIED 24th SEPTEMBER 1877
AGED 56 YEARS'

Cemetery inside the Armenian Church

The Armenian Church, Dhaka: It is one of the oldest constructions in this city and was built in 1781. The Armenians were rich influential business community. Armenian traders came to the Indian subcontinent in 12th century. After their ample success in trade, Mughal Emperor Akbar permitted them to preach. The Armenian Church in old Dhaka was one of the meeting places for the orthodox Armenian Christians, who observe Christmas on January 7. In the mid-19th century, they numbered no more than about 40 families. Because of their close business ties with the British East India Company, many Armenians became rich 'zamindars' with palatial houses. The church in Armanitola, in the heart of the crowded old city is known an oasis of tranquility. Twice a year the Armenian Archbishop from Australia comes here to hold ceremonies. Mother Teresa during her visit to Dhaka, stayed in this compound. The Church has a chapel with a balcony and the original wooden seat for 100 people. The ground cover nearly a hectare and is paved with 350 old graves stones, some quite ornately carved. Judging by the ages of those buried here, it seems that the local climate suit the Armenians.