Restoring the Roots: Structural Integrity and Exceptional Origins of Yusufganj Mosque, Sonargaon, Bangladesh
Authors: Mridha Ratul Shahrair Hasan , Salam Fahima , Rezwan Ahsan , Karim Munsefa , Alam Eftee Fairuj Shahna 
Published: November 2024

The historical city of Domdom is located in Sonargaon, the capital of ancient Bengal. Yusufganj Mosque located in ancient Majhipara included in this city. This mosque of the Sultanate period is still intact as an important and traditional architectural and cultural monument. There are a lot of developments have been made around the mosque. This only renders the mosque visible now. Today, the location of this mosque in Yusufganj still makes it clear that the region is indeed a magnificent monument of rich Islamic heritage. Although the historical importance of this ancient mosque is immense, it is now under some threat due to people's greed, short-sightedness and lack of progress. There are few or no natural causes here. Only man-made causes are now playing a major role. The main aim of the research paper is to make the ancient structure, whatever the culture, religion or group, the wealth of the country, contemporary thinking, appropriate techniques, sufficient and adequate documentation, continuous efforts for conservation, all these things to make a great combination. This is also finding out the results to determine the prosperous future of the establishment. At the outset, this is providing the detailed historical background (Sultanate period) for the Yusufganj Mosque will have the greatest depth. During that period, Sonargaon was considered as commercial and cultural hub. Contemporary architectural features of the mosque will have that culture, that appeal, and appreciation. The availability of the terracotta ornamentation of the mosque is quite ambiguous yet the time spent looking it is worth it. And that would be to dwell more fully on the role of Islamic architecture in Bengal in the broader perspective. Research papers must be evaluated correctly. And it will be in the light of any history, survey or any paper work. Speaking to local potential partners can be quite effective. These ways of working allows for the assessment of the mosque structure and realize which areas are most vulnerable to progressive decay. The study also shows how the centre has become an important cultural and religious landmark in the community, which makes it worthy of protection. Concerning the issue of conservation, the paper discusses previous and present intervention measures by different governments and NGO. This paper then looks at the strategies that have been used from simple prevention and control measures to the more complex activities of rehabilitation and assesses the difficulties experienced during their application. Issues such as funding constraints, lack of technical expertise and the impact of local development projects are examined in detail. The study concludes by proposing a set of recommendations for future conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach that combines technical, cultural, and community-based strategies. In support of the paper’s argument on the reasons to conserve the Yusufganj Mosque it appears that this building is an architectural asset of Sonargaon that can also serve as a place to elevate a sense of community belonging amongst the inhabitants of the region. In order to be able to still bring avail for such purpose in the future it is very important to preserve this historic monument. Thus, this paper will contribute to the general discussion regarding Bangladeshi heritage conservation and could be used to inform similar sites in the country.