Why Brits Are Rushing to Learn Sylheti

A region steeped in history and a distinctive cultural identity, Sylhet stands out from the rest of Bangladesh. Known for its lush tea gardens and deep spiritual roots, the area's singular story begins with a pivotal moment in history: the 1947 Partition of India. This referendum, which decided Sylhet's fate, is just one chapter in a narrative that includes its unique language, rich heritage, and powerful global influence.

A Crossroads: The 1947 Referendum

In 1947, as the British Raj was drawing to a close, the fate of many regions hung in the balance. Sylhet, a Muslim-majority district, was an administrative part of the Hindu-majority province of Assam. Fearing a future of cultural and political marginalization, the people of Sylhet were presented with a choice: remain with India or join the newly created Muslim-majority nation of East Pakistan. On July 6, 1947, a historic referendum saw a decisive vote in favor of joining East Pakistan. This moment, often overshadowed by the larger narrative of Partition, was a crucial act of self-determination.

This decision, however, was not without its complexities. The Radcliffe Line, drawn to demarcate the new borders, controversially awarded the sub-district of Karimganj to India, despite its Muslim majority. This division remains a point of contention and a testament to the chaotic and imperfect process of Partition. The referendum and its aftermath cemented Sylhet's unique position, forging a strong regional identity that continues to resonate today.

Beyond Bengali: The Sylheti Language

While Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh, Sylhet possesses its own unique linguistic heritage: Sylheti. This language, with its distinct sounds and vocabulary, is a key part of the Sylheti identity. It even had its own script, Sylheti Nagri, a simplified script used for centuries to write folk tales and religious texts. Though the script is now largely obsolete in Bangladesh, a vibrant revival movement, particularly among the global Sylheti diaspora, is bringing it back to life.

The language's most striking global presence is in the United Kingdom, where a significant portion of the British Bangladeshi community hails from Sylhet. For generations, Sylheti has been the primary language spoken in many homes and community centers. This has led to a fascinating phenomenon: non-Sylheti individuals, including white and Black Britons, are now actively learning the language to better connect with their neighbors and friends. The demand for Sylheti language learning books and resources has soared, making it a popular subject of study in some parts of the UK. This cultural exchange highlights the powerful connection between Sylhet and Britain, a bond built over centuries of migration and shared history.

A Heritage of Firsts and Global Influence

Sylhet's connection to the British Empire is particularly noteworthy. Beginning in the 18th century, Sylheti men, known as Lascars, worked as sailors on British ships. They traveled the world, forming a foundational part of the early British-Asian community. Many of these sailors later settled in the UK, becoming pioneers in the restaurant industry. Today, an astounding 80% of British curry houses are run by people of Sylheti descent, a legacy of those early seafaring days.

This history of early connection also led to the development of key infrastructure. Osmani International Airport, built during World War II by the British as a strategic airbase against Japanese forces, was the first modern airport in the region. This early development gave Sylhet a distinct economic and social advantage that set it apart from other areas of the country.

Beyond its physical infrastructure, Sylhet is also Bangladesh's spiritual capital. It is the final resting place of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Shahjalal, whose shrine draws millions of pilgrims annually. This deep spiritual tradition has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, creating a unique, soulful culture unlike any other in Bangladesh.

A Foodie's Paradise: Sylhet's Culinary Treasures

Sylheti food is a feast for the senses, celebrated for its bold and distinctive flavors. The region’s culinary identity is defined by its liberal use of two key ingredients: Satkora, a large, bitter citrus fruit, and Shutki or Hutki, a pungent dried and fermented fish. These ingredients form the basis of many traditional curries. Unique dishes like Chunga Pitha, a rice cake cooked inside a bamboo tube, and Akhni, a flavorful mixed rice, showcase a rustic, authentic cooking style. The local Naga Morich pepper, one of the hottest in the world, adds a fiery kick that is a hallmark of the cuisine. This rich culinary tradition has not only thrived in Sylhet but has also been exported globally, deeply influencing the UK's "Indian" food scene and making Sylhet a true cultural and culinary powerhouse.