Cheraman Juma Masjid, India's oldest mosque, to reopen soon

Cheraman Juma Masjid, built in 629CE by Malik Deenar, is now set to reopen after renovation. The mosque is in Kerala's Methala, and will be a part of the famous Muziris Heritage Tourism circuit. It is reported that the renovation work at the mosque will soon be over. The famous mosque is the first mosque in India and is the oldest in the sub-continent. It is of immense heritage value, and the reopening is eagerly awaited.The old mosque is much-loved for its Kerala style of architecture and makes for a very interesting specimen. It is believed to have been destroyed by the Portuguese in the past. Previously, it was renovated in 1984 as well. The current innovation has costed around INR 1.14 crores and was aimed at retaining the original woodwork. Clay tiles have also been used for the roof to tune the structure to typical Kerala architectural values. Its renovation has taken a mammoth 30 months!
According to Faisal E B, Administrator of the Cheraman Juma Masjid, “Once the old style is restored, the upper portion of the masjid will be used for the tourism project. The underground hall will be used exclusively for prayer." The renovated structure can also accommodate 5000 people in the underground prayer hall. In addition to the old structure, an Islamic heritage museum, spread over two storeys has also been constructed at the site.