.Nestled between the serene South Beach and the historic heart of Calicut lies Gujarati Street, an often-overlooked cultural treasure. Though this street is a small part of the city’s ...
28Sep
Mosques in Kuttichira
Kuttichira, located in Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala, is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, especially its historic mosques. This area, home to the Muslim community for centuries, is dotted with old mosques that are significant both architecturally and historically. Here are some notable mosques in Kuttichira:
1. Mishkal Mosque (Mishkal Palli)
- Built by: The Yemeni merchant Nakhooda Mishkal in the 14th century.
- Architecture: Unique for its architecture that blends traditional Kerala and Arab styles. Unlike typical mosques, it doesn’t have a dome or minarets. It originally had five stories, but the top floor was damaged by Portuguese attacks in 1510.
- Material: Made of wood, the mosque showcases intricate carvings and traditional craftsmanship.
- Importance: One of the oldest and most prominent mosques in Kerala, serving as a cultural and religious hub for the Muslim community in Calicut.
2. Jama Palli (Kuttichira Juma Masjid)
- Age: Another centuries-old mosque, believed to have been built around the same time as the Mishkal Mosque.
- Significance: Known for its role as the community’s main gathering place for Friday prayers and religious events.
- Architecture: Reflects traditional Kerala-style architecture with wooden beams and sloped tiled roofs.
3. Muchundi Mosque
- Historical Significance: This mosque has great historical importance as it is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Kuttichira, possibly dating back to the early years of Islam’s spread in Kerala.
- Associated with: Zainuddin Makhdoom II, a scholar and leader who wrote the famous Tuhfat al-Mujahidin, a historic work about the Portuguese invasions in Malabar.
These mosques in Kuttichira are not just places of worship but are also integral to the heritage and identity of the Muslim community in Kozhikode. The area itself, with its narrow lanes and old houses, offers a glimpse into the centuries-old coexistence of different cultures and religions in Kerala.