Maqam Masjid

Maqam Masjid, also called Muham Palli in the local language is a mosque in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. The Masjid is one of the historically important structures in Alappuzha. The old mosque building was renovated in 2022 under Alappuzha Heritage Project of Kerala government.

History
Alappuzha was an important commercial and industrial center in medieval Kerala. It was Raja Kesava Das, the then Dewan of Travancore who was known as the 'creator of modern Alappuzha', who made Alappuzha a major port city of Travancore. He built many roads and canals and built warehouses to improve the spice trade. After this, traders and business men from many parts of India including Kachi memans, Gujarati Muslims and Pathans came Alappuzha in search of employment and market. Many Gujarati Muslim families were invited from Bombay and settled at the initiative of the Diwan. The Diwan also gave permission to build mosques on both sides of the canal for them. This is one of the mosques built at this time.

Location
Maqam Masjid is located near the canal named Vadakanal, in Civil Station Ward of Alappuzha municipality.

Importance
The Maqam Masjid is one of the historically important structures in Alappuzha. The Masjid is built in traditional Kerala architectural style and has the distinction of being a mosque without a minaret. It is a relatively small mosque and it only has the facility to pray nearly two hundred people.

Renovation
The old mosque building was renovated in 2022 under Alappuzha Heritage Project of Kerala government, at a cost of 15 million. The mosque was renovated in such a way that the uniqueness of the old structures including the inner hall, doors, upper floor and stairs were not lost. The old building, which was in 'L' shape, and built in the Kerala-Islamic architectural style, has also been kept intact while renovated.