World Heritage Week in Muziris to showcase region’s culture

The World Heritage Week will serve lovers of history an opportunity to revisit the legacy around Muziris, as a seven-day event will highlight key features of the civilization that lasted for three millennia till its abrupt end in the 14th century.

The November 19-25, Muziris Heritage Week at Kottappuram near Kodungallur of this district will feature exhibitions on conservation of pertinent monuments besides classes on creating public awareness on the matter. Organized by the Muziris Heritage Project (MHP), the festival focuses on the historical museums such as the Paliam Palace and Nalukettu, the Paravur-Chennamangalam synagogues and the Kottappuram fort as well as the market.

The event will also host a workshop on Kottappuram Integrated Development Society making household articles using organic fiber and a show on traditional weaving from Chennamangalam handloom, according to P M Nowshad, Managing Director of MHP functioning under the Government of Kerala since 2008. There will also be exhibitions on the local Jewish culture, an art show and an archaeology gallery featuring excavated artifacts, he added.

The MHP, which aims to throw light on the Muziris civilization, strives for the development of the region and thereby boost the local economy through job opportunities, more so in the traditional handicraft sector. Simultaneously, conservation of religious structures and other historical buildings of the region is a key aim of the project.

UNESCO celebrates the annual World Heritage Week from November 19 to 25 across countries. The civilization around the port town of Muziris, which prospered due to trade with the Greeks and Romans among others through the Spice Route, perished following massive floods in 1341 CE.