A Forlorn Architectural Spot

The architectural heritage of a land is a pointer to the cultural and

historical heritage of that region. And also the study of architectural
heritage is regarded as the best means of knowing the rituals and the
origins of the past.

The Miskal Masjid is located in the northern part of the Kuttichirai Pond,
about half a kilometre away from the Kozhikode Beach. The Masjid is
nearly seven hundred years old and has a splendid facade of ancient glory.
Among the mosques in Kuttichira are the Miskal Masjid, Muchunthi Masjid
and Jumuah Masjid. The architectural beauty of these mosques is awe-
inspiring as it combines the unique features of Keralite architecture. Built
by local artisans, they resemble the traditional architectural style of Kerala.

The Miskal Masjid was built between 1300 and 1340 AD by the Arab
merchant Nahoodah Miskal. He owned several ships and vowed to keep his
voyages safe. This masjid is a vow he has made for the safety of his
seafarers. It is mostly built on wooden floors, it stands on four floors, that’s
why its architectural skills are impressive. The rooftops and the
surrounding timber columns, which are attached to the top of the building,
are a classic example of Kerala's ancient architecture.

At the beginning of the 15th century, however, the Miskal Masjid was set on
fire by Albuquerque's military expedition to Calicut, the successor of Vasco
da Gama. We can still see some of the indestructible marks of that attack at
the top of the mosque.

Valuable fiqh texts, garments used by the khadis of the time, an old litter ,
and the tambourine, used to announce information to the public are still
kept sacred.

The settlement of Kuttichira reveals the lifestyle, religion and ideals of the
Kerala Muslims. And the Miskal Mosque is a fine example of the richness of
its Muslim architecture. From every corner of the mosque, we can see how
civilized and cultural elements of a community are manifested in its
architectural skills. The mosque depicts the cultural and historical presence
of the Kerala Muslims.
1 the public pool

full view

View from the roadside

Landscape of the Masjid
Entrance to the masjid
Area for the Ablution
an old litter used by the quadies of the time
Onetime Architectural patterns
rooftop
Muhsin Abdul Hakeem is a Student at Sirajul Huda College of Islamic science , Calicut, Kerala. He is
graduated in English Literature and Communication . His areas of Interest include photography,
Cultural Studies, Anthropology etc. He has penned articles in English and Malayalam portals. He
could be reached at muhsinmuhammed306@gmail.com.

+919645476313