The neighborhood of Kuttichira located in Kozhikode, onceknown as Calicut, is a hidden pocket within Kerala. It is home to many Malbar Muslims, most commonly known as the Mappilla community, and houses their ancestral homes, several mosques, and a tank that fills the heart of the neighborhood.

The Mishkal Masjid at Kuttichira is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Kozhikode and was named after the rich Arab merchant Nakhuda Mishkal. The mosque incorporates temple-like architectural styles evident in the roof structure. What is beautiful about this Mosque it embodied the harmonious integration of Islam with Kerala culture.

Mappila arts became a unifying shared identity between the people of the community in the middle of the 20th century. The origin of the arts stems from the Hadrami-Yemeni influence on the region which culturally transformed the daily lives of the people by introducing different types of cuisines, songs, and performances.

Dr. Abdul Razak, Mohamed Haseeb N., A.R. Ottathingal showed us around central Kozhikode, Parappanangadi, and Kuttichira, introducing us to important historical sites including shops, shrines, and family homesteads.