Kuttichira Mosque

Kuttichira Mosque Have you seen a mosque that is designed like a temple? Well if that sounds like an oxymoron, you read that right. The lack of copulas and minarets make this mosque's design akin to a temple. In fact this mosque has been designed by skilled craftsmen in traditional architectural style. The Mishkal Masjid at Kuttichira is the oldest mosque in Kozhikode and was named after the rich Arab merchant Nakhuda Mishkal who built it in the 14th century. This is a four-storeyed structure supported by wooden pillars that signifies the architectural splendour of Kerala. The black and white chequered flooring, teal and blue paint and the traditional tiled roof makes this mosque a beautiful structure. It is believed that the Portuguese Naval force burnt this mosque in 1510 to create differences between the Muslims and Hindus and some remnants of the same can still be seen on the top floor of this mosque. However the Zamorin or the local ruler then did not give in and helped defend and repair the mosque. What sets this mosque apart is that anyone can enter this place irrespective of caste, creed or religion. This place has 47 doors, 24 carved pillars and a big prayer hall that can have 400 people together. A large tank is attached to this mosque. All the walls of the mosque with the exception of the ground floor are made from wood.