Azimpur Dayera Sharif (also known as Khanqah Dayera Sharif or Bara Dayera Sharif) is a historic Sufi shrine and spiritual center located in the Azimpur area of Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Meaning & Heritage: The Persian word Dayera means “circle” or “working area,” reflecting a tradition where the resident spiritual custodians (Gaddi Nashins) historically remained within the shrine perimeter to dedicate themselves entirely to prayer, spiritual guidance, and serving people.

History & Architecture: Established between 1766 and 1768 CE, the complex features Mughal-style architecture, including a central mosque with octagonal corner towers, a three-domed mausoleum housing the founders’ tombs, and a historic three-storied main gate erected in 1891 in Ottoman/Turkish style.

Website: The domain dayrasharif.com (and its associated .org web property) serves as an online space intended to share information, history, and updates related to the shrine.

Key Spiritual Leaders & Pirs

Shah Sufi Syed Muhammad Dayem (R.A.)

• The Founder: Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Muhammad Dayem (R.A.) was a revered Sufi saint and disciple of Hazrat Shah Amanat (R.A.) of Chittagong.
• Establishment: He arrived in Dhaka in the mid-18th century (around 1766–1768 CE) to propagate Islam, preach Sufism, and lay the foundation of Azimpur Dayera Sharif.
• Legacy: After his passing in 1799 CE, he was buried at the shrine compound, which remains a primary site of pilgrimage and spiritual learning in Old Dhaka.

Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Ahmadullah (R.A.)

• Spiritual Lineage: A lineal descendant of Hazrat Sufi Syed Muhammad Dayem (R.A.).
• Gaddi-Nashin: Shah Sufi Syed Ahmadullah Zubayer assumed the role of Pir (spiritual supervisor and Gaddi Nashin) of Azimpur Dayera Sharif in 1998 following the passing of his elder brother, Alhaj Maulana Shah Sufi Syed Saif Ullah.
• Leadership & Death: He guided the shrine’s spiritual disciples, led community welfare initiatives, and promoted peace and tolerance until his passing in July 2023 at the age of 77.

Pir Shah Sufi Syed Anamullah Zohair

• Succession: Following the tradition of hereditary Sufi leadership at Dayera Sharif, Shah Sufi Syed Anamullah Zohair represents the continuing family lineage and leadership (Gaddi Nashin) of the shrine, upholding the spiritual activities, annual observances, and religious services of the order.

To learn more about the history and architecture of this Sufi shrine, you can watch Azimpur Dayera Sharif Documentary, which provides a detailed visual overview of Hazrat Sufi Dayem’s tomb and the historical complex.