When you look at the history of India, Kozhikode occupies a significant position in it. This soil has witnessed many consequential episodes that decided the course the sub-continent would take. Thus it is only natural that Kozhikode will have many astonishing buildings of monumental value – living symbols that tell many tales of the past. Mishkal Mosque is one such fascinating structure with many amazing stories surrounding it.
This four-storeyed mosque with a history of over 650 years, is located at Kuttichira in Kozhikode district. The structure is named after Nakhooda Mishkal, the builder of this structure who was also an Arab trader. The building was initially of five storeys, however, was damaged by an attack by the Portuguese in 1510. One can still see the marks of this attack to this day.
Mishkal Mosque also tells a tale of communal harmony, as it was the Zamorin who repaired the mosque after this attack. The mosque has 24 engraved wooden pillars, 47 carved doors and a big prayer hall that can accommodate up to 300 people at a time. The entrance is paved using Italian tiles. The wooden structure doesn’t have minarets or cupolas and is employs a lot of timber in its construction.
