In Armanitola, Dhaka stands a sentinel to a bygone era: Sobhan Manzil. It is a two-story building with a tale etched in its very walls with threads of faith, family, and forgotten grandeur. A passerby might easily miss its subtle charm were it not for the captivating entrance - a curvy arched doorway mimicking the ebb and flow of the sea, reminiscent of ancient mosques. Above, an inscription in fiery red Urdu, crimson against the weathered brick. 'Sobhan Manzil,' it proclaims the House of Sobhan.
For most Dhakaites, this architectural gem remains a mystery. Yet, a photograph of Sobhan Manzil shared on a Facebook group named 'Orient and Oriental Art' dedicated to Oriental art sparked a whirlwind of curiosity and debate.
Waquar Adel, a descendant of the house's owner, Mawlana Abdus Sobhan, offered a glimpse into its rich history.
He shared, "Mawlana Sobhan was a pioneering figure. He was a renowned publisher in the British era, the one who penned the Namaz Shikkha book in the Bengali language. He bought this house long ago, drawn by its grandeur and potential." Namaz Shikkha is a guidebook for Muslims that tells how to offer prayers.
Sobhan's legacy wasn't confined to publishing. He was a philanthropist, revered for his contributions to the Muslim community.
Wauquar continued, "Mawala Abdus Sobhan (the great Adel family) came from greater Comilla. Now, the exact area is part of Brahmanbaria. In the late 19th century, he started his career by teaching in the famous Mohsaniya Madrasa, which was later renamed Kabi Nazrul College. He was a prominent scholar of his time who dedicated his life to Islam and published many insightful literary works in this section. He was respected by all, and because of his greatness, a famous area of Dhaka, Sobhanbagh, is named after him. This is a testament to his works."
However, within the walls of Sobhan Manzil, multiple stories unfold. Abu Mohammad Emraan, the current owner of a portion of the neighbouring Saheb Bari complex, paints a picture of a bygone era.
"This entrance," he says, gesturing towards the arched doorway, "used to be the grand portal to Saheb Bari. It was used as the Kachari House where the taxes were collected and goods were kept. The same entrance was the main gate to enter our house. Horses laden with goods would stand at its doorstep, waiting to unload their treasures."
While dealing with history, one must look at different angles to have a clear picture. In this regard, the current residents of the Sobhan House were reluctant to share anything about the house. Abu Mohammed Emraan, a custodian of Dhaka's heritage who is also the managing director of 'Emran's Heritage House', explains the intricate web of ownership that binds these structures and shares the stories that were long ago graved into those thick yellow walls.
"Saheb Bari belonged to Moulavi Abul Khairat Saheb," he reveals, "But a family feud changed its destiny."
"Abul Khairat had two sons. The elder son was Khan Saheb Moulavi Abul Hasnat Ahmed, and the famous Abul Hasnat Road was named after him. The younger one was Abu Zafar Ziaul Haque, aka Nabalak Mian. For some reason, Abul Hasnat sold this house to a famous publisher from Banglabazar named Mawlana Sobhan without informing his brother; since then, this house belonged to Mawlana Sobhan, but before that, the building was the main entrance and one of the important buildings of our ancestors Zamindaris," claiming it the real story, Emran shared these backdoor tales related to this brown-beauty.
A long yard stretches before the main complex, flanked by a veranda adorned with arched doors and thick pillars. Jalousie windows, taller than most, whisper tales of a forgotten era, their weathered frames bearing the weight of countless sunrises and moonlit nights.
Sobhan Manzil is a testament to Dhaka's rich history, a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered by the city explorers.
How can one go and witness this gem? It is as simple as exploring the Armanitola area. One can take a bus and stop at the foot of Babubazar Bridge or take CNG from their residents to Babubabazar Bridge. Then, crossing the highway, one can walk up to Armanitola High School or Tara Masjid, a renowned place to visit. Local people will help to go to these places. Just taking a few steps ahead, one can see the big arched entrance on his forehead, written 'Sobhan Manzil' in red Urdu letters. But the explorers can only witness it from outside; they cannot visit. Yes, Sobhan Manzil carries history on its back, but one must not forget that it is a residential house, and people are currently living there.
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