Located on the northwestern part of Bangladesh, Sylhet is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the country. This city is famous for its rich history, culture, and food. You can explore the city’s attractions by taking a tour around it. The city is a great place to visit for the first time. Besides that, it is also a popular destination for travelers who want to experience local cuisines.
History
Sylhet is a city in the eastern region of Bangladesh. It is located approximately 180 miles from Dhaka. The city has an interesting history.
Ancient Sylhet is believed to have been inhabited by Indo-Aryan Brahmins. In the early medieval period, it was ruled by the Sena and Deva dynasties. However, it passed to the control of Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah.
During the Mughal period, Sylhet was known as Jalalabad. This name is derived from two words, “jll” and “alabad.” Traditionally, it was named after the Hazrat Shah Jalal, an Islamic figure who traveled to Sylhet with 360 disciples. They spread the message of Islam, and also built a Muslim army. These disciples also included military officers, saints, and princes of the Arabian Peninsula.
During the British rule, Sylhet was ruled by the British East India Company. After the partition of the Indian subcontinent, Sylhet joined Pakistan.
The uprising of 1782 is known as the Muharram Rebellion. This uprising was one of the first anti-British movements in the Indian subcontinent. Locals blamed the British for failing to prevent the greatness of the event.
There were many invasions from neighboring kingdoms and tribes. One such incident took place in the Latu, Barlekha area. A tiger killed a person, while 75 snakes and wild pigs killed others.
The last Khasi raid occurred in the year 1795. However, it did not attack the British again.
Religion
Religion in Sylhet, Bangladesh is dominated by Sunni Islam. The region is also home to minority religions, such as Christianity. Hinduism is the second largest religion among Sylhetis.
Sylhet is a city located in northeastern Bangladesh. Its history dates back to the Mughal period. Its rich cultural and religious heritage has left a mark on its physical landscape. Many monuments and tombs commemorate the history of the city.
Religious tourism is a major industry in Sylhet. It is a significant source of annual remittances. In addition, the city is known for its collection of Muslim tombs. There are also a number of important Bangladeshi companies based in the city.
One of the most prominent figures in the Bangladeshi religious scene is Shah Jalal. He is a historical figure who spread Islam in the country. His story has become an important part of the nationalism of the Sylheti Muslims. Besides, his story has been retold in an anthology on Islam in South Asia.
Another figure in the religious scene is Father Loi Jose Anjus. He was a missionary who was sent to Sylhet by the Augustinian Order. However, he was killed in Srihotto.
Other figures in the Bangladeshi religious scene include Rawshan Ara Bachchu, who was a prominent advocate for Muslims in the primary school education. Also, Bipin Chandra Pal was a key player in India’s independence.
Culture
Sylhet is a large city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It has a population of over 500,000. Located on the banks of the Surma River, it is surrounded by tea estates and hills. A major tourist destination, the city offers an array of attractions to explore.
In the ancient period, Sylhet was ruled by local chieftains. The area was also occupied by Persians and Arabs. However, evidence suggests that it was a relatively prosperous region at one point in history.
The region is home to a number of mosques. Many are built on curved brick roofs decorated with terracotta. This indicates that conversion to Islam was rapid.
The second largest religion among Sylhetis is Hinduism. The region is rich in citrus fruit used in curries. There are also a number of minority religions, including Christianity.
Sylhet is also known for its rich culture. The city is known for its jolly nature. The people are open-minded and helpful. They love visiting other people and welcoming them.
The city is a rich cultural center, hosting many national festivals and traditional religious celebrations. Major ones include Pohela Baishakh, which commemorates the birth of Buddha; Kartika Mahotsav, which is dedicated to the birth of Lord Shiva; and Rajtila, which is the site of the annual Mourning of Muharram. These festivals are celebrated peacefully.
The city is also home to Ali Amjad’s Clock, named after the late Nawab Moulvi Ali Ahmed Khan of Prithimpassa. Built in 1872, the clock is the gateway to the city.
Food
The food in Sylhet is based on rice and fish. It offers an eclectic variety of culinary delights. There are a variety of curries and desserts.
For a sweet dish, you can try Sunga Fita. This traditional rice cake is made with binni rice and raisins. You can eat this snack while sipping tea. In Sylhet, you can also find a lot of restaurants that serve halal food.
You can find a wide selection of halal dishes at Hamadan Restaurant. It is known for its affordable rates. Whether you’re a meat eater or vegetarian, you will love the restaurant’s wide array of delectable foods.
Another popular dish is Ala Bhat. It is a sticky and delicious meal. During the Eid-ul-Adha festival, a lot of people from Sylhet eat this curry.
Another popular food item is dried fish. Hutki is a fermented type of fish. People in Sylhet eat this dish during the holy month of Ramadan.
In the middle of the 18th century, the Sylhet people came to Dhaka to make a cookie-like dish called Bakarkhani. Today, this savoury food is served with tea during Ramadan.
Another popular dry food in Sylhet is puffed rice. Before the flood, a sack of flattened rice cost Tk 1,000-1,300. Since the flood, however, the price has increased to Tk 1,400-1,800.
Aside from this, people in Sylhet eat a variety of fish curries. Some of the famous dishes include beef bhuna, tenga, and tangy curry.
Sports
Aside from cricket there is a wealth of sport related activity in Sylhet. If you’re into the game of golf or bowling, you’ll have plenty of competition to hone your skills. Similarly, if you’re into hockey or lacrosse, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to showcase your talents. In fact, in a country with a population of a little over a hundred and fifty million, you’ll be competing with the likes of a few hundred thousand professional players.
The Sylhet Strikers are not to be sneezed at. With the team’s recent signing of Waqar Younis as the new head coach, you’re in for a treat. They’re also known to be one of the most spirited teams in the BPL, which makes them a great bet for a first time player. Likewise, the squad is also known to be a well oiled machine on and off the field, which is a good thing for the fan base.
While a quick Google search of the team’s name will provide you with a plethora of details on the likes of a dozen players, the team’s official website provides an even more comprehensive look at the team’s history and future plans. From their inauspicious start as a fledgling cricket franchise to their latest iteration as a full fledge professional sports team, it’s fair to say they’ve had a good run.
Tourism
Sylhet is a city in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. It is the home of many Sufi shrines and has the tomb of 14th-century saint Hazrat Shah Jalal. This hill station is also famous for its beautiful landscape.
The district has a lot of tourist attractions. Tourists can explore the beauty of the landscape, as well as the wetlands in the region. Some of the places to visit include Bholaganj, Lalakhal, Ratargul, Jaflong, and Bichanakandi. However, the quality of tourism services in these regions is not yet good.
If you are interested in visiting these places, you need to do your homework. The best time to visit these locations is in June.
You can travel by bus or train. Several hotels are available as per your requirements and budget.
If you have no swimming skills, you can rent a boat for a day. Renting a boat for a day will cost you around Rs 300 to 400. Boats are available on both sides of the river.
Aside from sightseeing, you can enjoy delicious local food. In Sylhet, you can find restaurants that serve both desi and international cuisine. Those in Jindabazar, for instance, are known for their pansi cuisine.
During the rainy season, you may encounter covid-19, a disease that was spotted in Sylhet. Fortunately, this disease hasn’t spread.
Most of the tourist attractions in Sylhet are accessible year-round. However, the monsoon in the area is unpredictable. So, you should be prepared to get wet.