Andar Killa Jame Mosque.

Our design aims to unveil and revive the historic Andarkilla Shahi Mosque, long obscured by newer structures. Inspired by Surah Al-Nur, light becomes the central metaphor, symbolizing the presence of Allah. The design frames the mosque with a luminous gateway, ensuring its prominence in the dense urban fabric. This newly illuminated structure serves as a contemporary minaret, enhancing the spiritual and architectural identity of the city. Rather than isolating the mosque, our approach integrates it within a larger Mughal landscape, restoring its historical and cultural significance. Conservation operates at multiple scales, ensuring the mosque remains an essential part of Chattogram’s urban fabric. Extensive research on Mughal architecture—such as Humayun’s Tomb, the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Delhi’s Jami Masjid—guides our design, incorporating shared vocabulary, materiality, and tectonics. By merging historic elements with contemporary interventions, our design reflects the city’s Islamic and urban cultural identities. The mosque, once hidden, now stands as a beacon of faith and heritage. Through this approach, we create a timeless architectural narrative, where light and structure intertwine, ensuring the mosque remains a vital, spiritual landmark for generations to come.