Know Your Neighbourhood: Kolkata's Chinatown got its name from an Italian | Trending

Hindustan Times · Vaishali Kapila · 2026-11-06 12:36 UTC

Tiretta Bazaar, now remembered as Kolkata’s original Chinatown, was named after 18th-century Italian immigrant. | Trending

Tiretta Bazaar, now remembered as Kolkata’s original Chinatown, was named after 18th-century Italian immigrant.

Kolkata is home to one of India's oldest Chinese settlements, but the story behind its historic Chinatown has an unexpected Italian connection. Located in central Kolkata, Tiretta Bazaar became an important centre for the city's Chinese community over time. Its name, however, goes back to an Italian immigrant who arrived in Calcutta in the 18th century and set up a market that would leave a lasting mark on the city.

Edward Tiretta: The Italian behind Kolkata's historic Tiretta Bazaar

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