Armanitola Church is an important monument of Portuguese architecture in Dhaka. Built in 1821, this church is one of the oldest churches in Dhaka. Its architectural style and design are traces of Portuguese architecture, which creates a link between history and modern Dhaka.

Analyzing the construction period and architectural style of the church, it can be seen that it bears the characteristics of Portuguese architecture. The church’s decoration, dome, and interior architecture are an invaluable part of Dhaka’s historical architecture.

The Armenian church in Armenitola of old Dhaka is known as ‘Armanian Church’. It was built in 1781. The history of Armenians in Dhaka is connected with this traditional church. The name Armenitola or Armanitola is also derived from the Armenians. It is believed that they had a small place of worship before the construction of this church. Where the church now stands, there was once an Armenian cemetery. An Armenian named Aga Minas Katchik donated the extensive land surrounding the cemetery for the construction of the church. And according to folklore four Armenians helped build the church. They are Michael Serkis, Okotavata Setur Sivarg, Aga Emnias and Markar Pogz.

Description of the church

The church is seven hundred and fifty feet long, four doors, seven windows. Next to it was a watch house. It was produced by Johannes Caru Piet Serkis. It is said that the clock house was destroyed in the earthquake of 1897. The church had a large bell. There is evidence that the sound of this bell market could be heard from almost every part of the city. Hearing the sound of this bell, most Dhaka residents used to set their time clocks. Around 1880 this famous bell of the Armenian church was stopped, never to be rung again.

Description of Armani

It is said that there are currently eighteen families of Armenian origin in Dhaka. However, the number of Armenians in Dhaka was not very high at any time. It is not known when the Armenians came to Dhaka, but it is believed that during the Mughal period, when many people came to Dhaka from abroad to change their fortunes, possibly in the seventeenth century, Armenians also came to Dhaka one by one and started living in the region. Since then the region is known as Armenitola. Despite being a very small community in the eighteenth and the first half of the nineteenth century, the Armenians were quite influential in the city of Dhaka. This is because they had money. In the eighteenth century, the salt trade was a monopoly of the East India Company. The company used to hire contractors for the production and distribution of salt. Most of the salt contractors in East Bengal were Armenians. Apart from contracting, they had authority in the trade of betel, jute and cloth. Many people also had zamindari.

Some of the famous and influential Armenian families in Dhaka in the 19th century are Pogues, Aratun, Paniati, Stephan, Lucas, Koza Michael, Manuk, Harney, Sirkor and Sarkis. The basis of their wealth was zamindari and business. Being a foreigner can also lead to buying a zamindari – gaining nobility and being at the top of society. These rich Armenians built palace-like houses for themselves in Dhaka. For example, the present Rooplal House in Farasganj belonged to Aratun. Manuk lived in Sadarghat. The house where ‘Bafa’ is now, was Nicky Pogge’s. Later ‘Niki Saheber Kuthi’ was built at Armenitola. Stephen’s house was in Anandarai Street. Where the Taj Mahal cinema is, there was the Paniyati building. By the middle of the 19th century, many Armenians turned to business. Tea, Wine, European goods, Bank etc. In 1856, Sirkore introduced the first horse-drawn carriage in Dhaka, which was known as the ‘Thika Carriage’. Within a few days, this business became very popular and over time it became the main vehicle of Dhaka. In the second half of the 19th century, many Armenians lost their lands. Armenians are very conservative, but at that time a process of change was going on. They then turned towards western culture and many sold their estates and moved to Calcutta for business. As a result, in the last half of the 19th century, from the sixties and seventies, the influence and prestige of Armenians as a community began to decline. At that time, Armenians joined themselves in various activities and meetings of Dhaka city. Niki Pogz founded the Pogz School. Aratun was the principal of Dhaka Normal School. Sarkis was in the first municipal committee of Dhaka. In 1874-75, two of the nine Commissioners of Dhaka Municipality were Armenians – J.G. N. Pogz and N.P. Pogz.

Church premises

After settling in Armeniatola, Armenians built their churches here. Armenians of Dhaka are buried after their death. Due to the small size of the courtyard of the Armenian church, many tombstones can be seen in the entire courtyard of the church and even on the floor of the balcony. Most epitaphs quote scriptures.  Besides, a beautiful statue was placed on the tomb of one Catechique Avetic Thomas, which his wife bought from Calcutta, which still survives. In the epitaph she referred to her husband as ‘the best of husbands’.

There are few places in the city of Dhaka as calm, quiet as the ‘Armenian Church’ of Old Dhaka’s Armanitola. The more than 200-year-old and traditional church is still maintained by the remaining Armenian families.

The presence of the Portuguese is an important chapter in the history of Dhaka, which spans from the middle of the 16th century to the early part of the 18th century. The Portuguese had a profound impact on the cultural and historical life of Dhaka through trade, religious preaching and architecture. This report will focus on the historic Armanitola Church of Dhaka and the period of Portuguese rule, which is an integral part of Dhaka’s historical and cultural heritage.

Arrival and first settlement of the Portuguese

The history of the arrival of the Portuguese in the subcontinent began in the late 15th century under the leadership of Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese continued to come to the coast of the Bay of Bengal in search of trade and other benefits. They first settled in Dhaka in the early 16th century, which was notable as a commercial center.

The first presence of the Portuguese in Dhaka was mainly for business purposes, but their religious interest was also significant. They continued to carry on business and conduct religious activities in contracts with local kings and Mughal rulers.

Portuguese rule and their activities

The main objectives of the Portuguese presence in Dhaka were trade and religion. Their business activities played an important role in Dhaka’s economy. They mainly wanted to take advantage of the golden age business and started promoting their products in the local market.

In religious activities the Portuguese conducted various missions to spread the Christian religion and greatly encouraged the building of churches. They are with the local people through their religious activities

Able to establish relationships and build a religious community.

Architecture and Culture of the Portuguese

The influence of Portuguese architecture in Dhaka is very important. Their built structures included churches, huts, and various architectural styles. Through this style of architecture they create their own style of architecture in harmony with the local culture.

The Portuguese architecture brought a new trend in the architecture of Dhaka. Their architectural features, such as domes, palatial elements and decorations, have had an important influence on the architecture of modern Dhaka.

Assessment of Portuguese influence in Dhaka

The rule and activities of the Portuguese have had a long-term impact on the history of Dhaka. The architecture, culture and religious activities brought by them have played a significant role in the historical and cultural identity of Dhaka. Buildings like the Armanitola Church still carry their historical significance and are considered part of Dhaka’s culture.

At present, Armanitola Church is preserving its historical importance through renovation and maintenance. The church is considered an important cultural site for local and international tourists.

The history of Portuguese rule in Dhaka and the Armanitola Church reveals an important aspect of our local culture and history. The architecture, trade, and religious activities brought by the Portuguese have become an integral part of Dhaka’s historical identity. Their influence is still visible in the architecture and culture of Dhaka today and the Armanitola Church stands as an embodiment of this history.