Cox's Bazar history

The history of Cox's Bazar is closely interwoven with its geographical location on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and the centuries-old succession of rulers. The first mentions of this area date back to the 9th century, when it was under the rule of the Arakan kings. In 1666, the region came under the control of the Mughal Empire. According to legends, the Mughal Prince Shah Shuja, while passing through, was so charmed by the beauty of these places that he ordered a camp to be set up. To commemorate this event, one of the areas still bears the name Dulahazara, which translates to "thousand palanquins".

The city received its modern name in honor of Captain Hiram Cox, an officer of the British East India Company. In the late 18th century, he was appointed superintendent of the Palongkee outpost (the old name of the city) and dealt with the rehabilitation of refugees from Arakan. In recognition of his services, a market was established here after his death in 1799, named in his honor — Cox's Bazar (Cox's Market). Over time, this name became attached to the entire settlement, which began to actively develop as a trading and administrative point.

The key factors in the formation of Cox's Bazar were its advantageous coastal position, which facilitated the development of fishing and maritime trade, as well as its administrative status. In 1854, the settlement became an administrative centre, and in 1869 officially received the status of a municipality within British India. From the very beginning, the city's economy was oriented towards the sea, which remains one of its main features today alongside tourism. Its location within the territory of modern Bangladesh defined its further cultural and economic development in the 20th century.

Key Milestones in the History of Cox's Bazar

The history of Cox's Bazar is a journey from ancient settlements on the coast of the Bay of Bengal to the country's main tourism hub. Below are the key events that shaped the appearance of the modern city.

• 9th Century — The territory of the modern city is under the rule of the Arakan kings.
• 1666 — The region passes under the control of the Mughal Empire.
• Late 18th Century — Captain Hiram Cox, an officer of the British East India Company, is appointed to address the resettlement of refugees from Arakan.
• 1799 — After the death of Captain Cox, the market founded by him is named "Cox's Bazar" (Cox's Market) in his honour, a name later adopted for the entire city.
• 1854 — Cox's Bazar becomes an administrative centre within British India.
• 1869 — The settlement officially receives municipality status.
• 1947 — After the partition of British India, the city becomes part of East Pakistan.
• 1971 — As a result of the War of Independence, Cox's Bazar becomes part of the new state — Bangladesh.
• 1984 — The Cox's Bazar District is established within its modern boundaries.
• Late 20th - Early 21st Century — The city begins to actively develop as the main seaside resort of Bangladesh, attracting an increasing number of tourists.
• 2012 — The city hosts the VIII Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad.

Stages of Development: From Market to the Country's Main Resort

The development of Cox's Bazar is a story of transformations that turned a small settlement into an economically significant and the most popular tourist centre of Bangladesh. Here are the key milestones of this journey:

• Foundation of the Market (Late 18th Century): Captain Hiram Cox established a market to stimulate trade between local residents and refugees. This event not only gave the city its modern name but also laid the foundations for its future economic role as a trading hub.
• Obtaining Municipality Status (1869): The official recognition of Cox's Bazar as a town within British India was an important administrative step that facilitated orderly construction and governance.
• Becoming a Major Resort (Late 20th Century): The Government of Bangladesh began to purposefully develop the city as the country's premier seaside resort. This led to a construction boom, the appearance of numerous hotels, and the transformation of tourism into the foundation of the local economy.
• Development of Traditional Industries: Alongside tourism, the city's economy has always relied on fishing and seafood harvesting. Over time, other industries developed, such as salt production, shell souvenirs, and unique handmade products, including cigars.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (21st Century): To attract a larger number of tourists, the airport was modernised and road connections with major cities were improved. These projects were a response to the growing popularity of the resort and laid the groundwork for further growth.
• Creation of Tourist Zones and Parks: To diversify leisure options, facilities such as the Dulahazara Safari Park and Himchari National Park were created in the vicinity of the city. This allowed for attracting not only beach lovers but also nature enthusiasts.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: An important aspect of development has been the preservation and popularisation of local cultural sites, such as Buddhist monasteries, including Aggmeda Khyang. This highlighted the multifaceted culture of the region and added historical value to the city.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban development of Cox's Bazar represents a chaotic yet colourful blend of eras and cultures. Initially formed as a small fishing settlement and trading post, the city developed spontaneously for a long time, oriented towards the coastline and riverbeds. In recent decades, with the growth of tourist traffic, the urban landscape has changed radically: quiet neighbourhoods with traditional huts have given way to multi-storey concrete hotels and commercial centres, turning the coastal zone into a densely built-up resort cluster.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

In the appearance of the city, one can trace the influence of several key cultural and historical periods, each bringing its own unique features to the architecture:

• Traditional Arakan (Burmese) Style (from the 18th Century to present). This is perhaps the most distinctive layer of the region's architecture. It is represented by Buddhist temples (khyangs) and pagodas. This style is characterised by multi-tiered wooden roofs, intricate carved ornaments, the use of teak wood, and bright colours. Residential buildings in older districts also retain features of this style: houses are often raised on stilts for protection against tides and floods.
• Colonial Style (19th – mid-20th Century). The period of British rule left its mark on the layout of administrative districts and old government buildings. These are typically functional one- or two-storey structures with deep verandas, high ceilings, and louvered windows, adapted to the humid tropical climate. They are distinguished by restraint and utility.
• Modern Resort Modernism (Late 20th Century – present). The tourism boom in Bangladesh led to the emergence of numerous hotels and guest houses. This style is often eclectic: from simple concrete boxes to attempts at imitating Western resort architecture using glass and composite materials. Unfortunately, rapid construction is often carried out without a unified master plan, creating a contrast between luxury hotels and the simple urban environment.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Several objects and districts form the recognisable look of the city and serve as landmarks for travellers:

• Aggmeda Khyang. The city's main Buddhist monastery, located on a hilltop. This is a prime example of traditional wooden architecture with exquisite carved columns and statues, standing in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern development.
• Hotel Motel Zone. The modern tourist centre of the city, stretching along the beach. The bulk of high-rise buildings, restaurants, and entertainment complexes are concentrated here, forming the modern "façade" of the resort.
• Old Town and Market District. Dense low-rise housing, narrow streets, and old trading rows have been preserved here, reminiscent of the times when the city was just a small port.

Notable Figures Associated with Cox's Bazar

Although Cox's Bazar is primarily known as a tourist hub, it is also the birthplace and place of activity for several significant figures in Bangladesh. Their contributions span politics, sports, culture, and public life.

• Hiram Cox — A British officer and diplomat of the late 18th century. Although he was not a native of these parts, his name is inextricably linked with the city. As superintendent, he worked on the rehabilitation of refugees and established a market to stimulate the local economy. The city received its modern name in his honour.
• Mominul Haque — A famous Bangladeshi cricketer born in Cox's Bazar. He has served as the captain of the national cricket team in Test matches and is considered one of the best batsmen in the country's history.
• Fazlul Karim — A lawyer and politician born in Cox's Bazar in 1905. He was the first chairman of the municipality after independence and played an important role in the early political formation of the region.
• Obaidullah Hamzah — A contemporary Islamic scholar, economist, and educator born in the Cox's Bazar district. He is known for his contribution to Islamic education and economic thought in Bangladesh.
• Tawhidul Alam Sabuz — A professional footballer and striker hailing from Cox's Bazar. He has played for the Bangladesh national team and various clubs in the country, being a prominent figure in local football.
• Jinnat Ali — Was recognised as the tallest man in Bangladesh. He was born in the Cox's Bazar district and attracted nationwide attention due to his extraordinary height.