World Heritage site in Bangladesh

Introduction There are many heritage sites in the world. Each site presents its important aspects and characteristics. The Shat GambuJ Mosque, the Buddhist Vihara, the Sundarbans, the Agra Fort. The Iron Bridge are the important heritage sites. Description of World Heritage Sites Though a small country, Bangladesh has three World Heritage Sites the historic Shatgombuj Mosque of Bagerhat, the ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur and the Sundarbans. The Shatgombuj Mosque: The Shatgombuj Mosque is a 15th Century Islamic edifice situated in the suburbs of Bagerhat, on the edge of the Sundarbans, some 175 km southwest of Dhaka. It is an enormous Moghul architectural site covering a very large area. The mosque is unique. It has sixty pillars, which support seventy-seven exquisitely carved domes that have worn away with the passage of time. The mausoleum of the citys founder, Khan Jahan Mi can be found nearby. With the declaration of the mosque as a World Heritage Site, it is hoped that this beautiful architectural monument will be preserved from further decay. The Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur, 200 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, was founded in the 7th century. It is the largest single Buddhist monastery in the Indian subcontinent and is also known as the Somapura Mahavihara, the great Monastery. It was a renowned intellectual centre from the 7th century until the 17th century. Its layout is perfectly adapted to its religious function. This monastery-city represents a unique artistic achivement which has influenced Buddhist architecture as far away as Cambodia. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985 at the 9th session of the 21 member international committee. The Sundarbans: The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It has been declared the 52nd World Heritage Site in the world; The Sundarbans is also an attractive tourist spot. Many people particularly foreigners like to see its natural beauty. It is not only a natural and peaceful atmosphere but also a forest site of seeing the famous Royal Bengal Tiger or the spotted deer, or even the estuarine crocodile. It is still renowned for Its great variety of wild life. The Agra Fort: The Agra Fort. Built by Moghul Emperor Shahjahan is situated next to the gardens of the Taj Mahal. An important Moghul monument of the 17th century, it is a powerful fortress, constructed of red sandstone and hence its name the Red Fort of Agra within its enclosure walls of 2.5 kilometers. It encompasses the imperial city of the Moghul rulers which comprises fairy like palaces, such as the Jahangir palace or the Khash-Mahal and the reception room where visitors were received. Within its boundaries the fortress also has two very beautiful mosques. The Iron Bridge: The Iron Bridge Gorge is the worlds first iron bridge. The Iron Bridge is across England longest river, the Severn. At one time the surrounding area was a remarkable concentration of industrial activity. Today the area under the bridge and on both sides is known as the Iron Bridge Gorge in recognition of its outstanding importance in the early development of industrialization. The bridge was built in 1779. It Is a testimony of the first large scale use of iron for structural purposes in the world and the remarkable demonstration of the utility and versatility of iron for construction of the bridge was not only a singular example of new engineering but also a tremendous success. Proper international fame and recognition came with the designation of Gorge and the bridge as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Conclusion: The World Heritage Sites play an important role in the matter of sight seeing. Tourists and visitors of and from various countries come to visit these heritage sites every year. We, the Bangladeshis, are lucky to have some World Heritage Sites in the country. A World Heritage Site is a place recognized by the international community.