Shrine of Bayazid Bostami (বায়েজিদ বোস্তামীর মাজার)

The Shrine of Bayazid Bostami is a hilltop shrine at Nasirabad in north Chattogram, Bangladesh, dedicated to the Persian Sufi Bayazid Bostami of Bostam, Iran. Its pond holds black softshell turtles that are extinct in the wild, and it suits visitors interested in Sufi tradition and rare wildlife in the city.

Is Bayazid Bostami buried here?

Almost certainly not. There is no firm evidence that he visited Bengal, and the tomb is likely a jawab, a symbolic copy built in his name. Local tradition disagrees: one legend says that when he was leaving, followers begged him to stay, so he let a few drops of blood fall from his little finger and allowed them to build a shrine. Some 18th-century Bengali poets mention a Shah Sultan of Nasirabad.

Hilltop tomb found in 1831

The tomb and its sarcophagus were found in 1831 on the hilltop, enclosed by a pillared wall that has since been replaced by a modern structure. Steps lead up from the road, and pilgrims come throughout the day.

Three-domed mosque from Aurangzeb's reign

At the foot of the hill stands a three-domed mosque believed to date from the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Its interior is plain, and the mihrab on the qibla wall has a matching projection on the opposite side.

Black softshell turtles in the shrine pond

The large pond in front of the shrine is home to black softshell turtles, which local people call mazari. The IUCN lists the species as extinct in the wild, so these shrine ponds are important for its survival.

The shrine is free and open to the public. Dress modestly and remove shoes where asked. Allow about 45 minutes.