Marina Tabassum's essay on Bangladesh's Ganges Delta explores wetness and land in Sharjah Triennial publication

ArtReview, in collaboration with the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, released three essays from participants of the inaugural triennial (9 November 2019 – 8 February 2020), commissioned under the Rights of Future Generations: Conditions programme. One essay by architect Marina Tabassum examines the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh, challenging conventional land-water distinctions. Tabassum describes the delta's dynamic chars—transient landforms emerging from sediment—where communities like the Charua adapt to erosion and accretion. She details how land deeds and mouza maps from British cadastral surveys (1888–1940) clash with the region's wet culture, leading to issues like khas land and Jotedar land-grabbing. The text references historical figures such as Shafiul Azam Shamim, his grandfather Mohammad Imam Hossain Bepari, aunt Khurshida Begum, and local amin Khokon Bepari, alongside scholars Debjani Bhattacharyya and Jakia Akter et al. It notes the delta's progradation, advancing 17 square kilometres annually, and highlights vulnerabilities from climate change. The essays are available online and as a print book from November 2019.