This student proposal envisions Diyang Killa, a historic sentry point guarding the entrance to  Chattogram Port,  not merely as a restored monument but as a living cultural destination that reconnects people with maritime history of Chattogram. It proposes transforming the historic lighthouse into an exhibition space, where visitors can engage with over five hundred years of trade, navigation, and port development that shaped the region’s economy and identity.

Historical Background

For more than five centuries, Chattogram has stood as the maritime gateway of Bengal, connecting South Asia with the wider Indian Ocean world. From Arab, Persian, Chinese, Arakanese, Portuguese, and Mughal traders to modern global shipping networks, the Karnaphuli estuary has witnessed the continuous flow of commerce, culture, and civilization. Chattogram Port emerged as one of the most important trading centers in the Bay of Bengal, shaping the economic and cultural foundations of present-day Bangladesh.

Perched strategically on a hill overlooking the Karnaphuli estuary, Diyang Killa served as a vital maritime landmark in this historic landscape. Functioning as both a watchtower and an early lighthouse, its beacon guided vessels safely through shifting tides and coastal channels toward the harbor. Historical accounts suggest that the site was used during the Sultanate period, strengthened under Arakanese and Portuguese influence, and later incorporated into the Mughal defense network following the conquest of Chattogram in 1666.

Beyond its military significance, Diyang Killa became a symbol of maritime connectivity—a beacon that welcomed merchants, travelers, and explorers from distant shores. Although much of its physical presence has faded with time, its historical memory remains deeply embedded within the story of Chattogram’s rise as a port city. Today, the site presents a unique opportunity to reconnect contemporary society with a hidden chapter of Bangladesh’s maritime heritage.

The Project:

The visitor journey begins at the lower contour of the site, where a sequence of contemporary facilities—including a multipurpose hall, library, research center, administrative offices, dormitory, canteen, and port information center—supports education, research, and public engagement. Throughout this gradual ascent, the historic Diyang Killa remains constantly visible, acting as a visual anchor that draws visitors toward the summit.

© Md Maine Uddin, AIUB

Upon reaching the restored lighthouse, visitors encounter panoramic views of the Karnaphuli estuary, surrounding landscape, and maritime routes that once guided ships into Chattogram Port. The experience recreates the strategic perspective from which the original lighthouse operated, enabling visitors to understand the site’s historical role within the broader maritime network.

From the hilltop, a long descending stairway unfolds through the landscape, framing views of the river, sea, and vegetation. This contemplative journey culminates at a sculptural multi-storied museum that houses the historical narratives, artifacts, and exhibitions of Chattogram’s maritime heritage.

The museum itself is conceived as a contemporary reinterpretation of the lighthouse. Visitors ascend through a sequence of exhibition levels, gradually uncovering layers of history before arriving at a glazed viewing platform overlooking the sea. During the day, the structure serves as a beacon of knowledge; at night, illuminated from within, it transforms into a new lighthouse on the horizon.

While the historic Diyang Killa once enlightened sailors navigating the waters of Chattogram, the new museum enlightens visitors navigating the forgotten history of the nation. Together, the restored lighthouse and the contemporary museum establish a dialogue between past and future—preserving memory, celebrating maritime heritage, and inspiring future generations through the enduring power of light.