Room of the founder of Haturia House is preserved

Room of the founder of Haturia House is preserved

The room where the original owner Khan Bahadur Muhammad Fazlul Karim stayed has been kept intact with all his furniture, which includes a 100-year old bed, a dressing table, an easy chair, and many other documents and objects. The preservation of the room depicts the immense connection with the past and respect for the resident's own heritage evident in the care and maintenance of the house.

Antique Mirror as part of history

Antique Mirror as part of history

The owner claims the two side mirror pieces are part of six of such rare pieces built in history, while the rest are conserved in England. These were part of a billiard table originally.

Antique Screen in the hall

Antique Screen in the hall

More than 100 years old, the walnut wooden screen is kept intact till date. The screen was used in front of the interior doors during the spiritual gatherings to keep the women at a distance from the crowd. The current ‘muttawali’ Shiblee Karim has even made a replica to preserve the original design as that might decay with time. But even with modern tools and techniques, masons could not build a proper replica with the intricate design of the older one.

 

Majlis e Sama in the house

Majlis e Sama in the house

As part of the spiritual gathering, the Khanka E Aliyah hosts various events on special occasions. After the conclusion of Kahtam Sharif, everyone gathers for the Majlis E Sama, an event which includes performance of Qawwali music.

Family events in the Verandah

Family events in the Verandah

The verandah opening to the courtyard has been the witness of many historical events of the house. The outdoor space was the most vibrant space during weddings of family members. The family holds a ritual of dying colorful sarees for all family members which are then worn during the pre-wedding ceremonies. The driveway faces waterlogging during monsoon, but the younger members of the family found joy in playing in those puddles of water.  Even today, the front courtyard space is an open and inviting “room” for all as it is publicly accessible.

The Front Courtyard is like an open to sky room

The Front Courtyard is like an open to sky room

The outdoor courtyard and garden area have been used for multiple purposes. Although initially, it was a green lawn with a clear view of the Sat Rowja mosque, over time, the landscape has changed and there are now large trees which shade the area and boundary wall obstructing the view.

The Main Hall becomes a Khanka-E-Aliya

The Main Hall becomes a Khanka-E-Aliya

The central hall of the house was initially designed for family gatherings but over the time it has been transformed into a place of assembly. At present, the hallroom is used as Khanka-E-Aliya, a place of special spiritual gathering.

Famous Kacchi Biryani stores line the property

Famous Kacchi Biryani stores line the property

The one storied structure along the boundary of Abul Hasnat Road was originally built for administrative purposes and quarters for staff and visitors. Later around 1980, they were turned into small shops and some have been used for other domestic functions. Some of the shops house ‘kacchi biryani’ stores.

The house becomes known as the Tiger House

The house becomes known as the Tiger House

At one point, the family used to have a mini zoo on the south side of the house, and even had a tiger as a pet. Because of which, the house was and till date is also known as Bagh Bari (the “tiger house”).

The ‘Muttawali’ family manages the house

The ‘Muttawali’ family manages the house

The current ‘muttawali’ Shiblee Md Fazlul Karim and his wife Nazma Karim have been responsible for taking care of the house since the early 1980s. ‘Muttawali’ is the person entrusted with responsibility to manage the ‘waqf’ estate. From generations, responsible family members have embraced the challenges of living in an old house and dedicated themselves to maintaining  the inherited property for a greater good.

In conversation with the resident

In conversation with the resident

The property was designated as a waqf estate with the grandson of the original owner as “muttawali”. The present “muttawali” and resident of the house Shiblee Fazlul Karim in a conversation with Salauddin Ahmed.

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The project “Hidden Heritage: Homes in Dhaka” forms part of a larger research framework on “Silent Heritage: Buildings in Bangladesh” focusing on homes and other significant buildings, from the rural to the urban, and from the Mughal to the Modern.




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Dhaka, Bangladesh