KOZHIKODE: Markaz Knowledge City, an initiative of Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya, the powerful Sunni sect headed by Kanthapuram A.P. Abubacker Muzaliyar, has announced the laun-ch of a heritage-culture-trade centre, claimed to be the largest in the nation, at the Markaz Knowledge City at Kaithappoyil near Thamarssery, here.
Coming up on a 9 acre land as part of the 120 acre vast Knowledge City integrated twonship project, the trade centre, to be built on the lines of Arabian village markets namely Souq, is expected to provide jobs to as many as 3000 persons with around 150 shops, museum, library and cultural centre.
Addressing a press conference here Knowledge city Managing Director Dr MAH Kandi and CEO Dr Abdul Salam Moha-mmad said that it is an attempt to recreate Souq, the traditional Arabian markets which a blend of art, culture and trade in the Malabar context.
An amalgam of six different architectural styles, the Mogul architecture is the predominant one.
The Rs 100 crore project, expected to be completed by March 2020, the Souq would have facilities to accommodate as many as 10,000 persons.
A 72,000 square feet vast rooftop garden with over a hundred fruit bearing trees would be another major attraction of the project.
The Circular Souq, a replica of Arabian market place, will have a labyrinthine network of 150 shops catering to more than 50 categories, Mr MAH Kandi said.
“The project has been envisaged in such a way that once completed, it would ensure high price for the indigenous agrarian projects including coconut oil and spices”, said Dr Abdul Salam Mohammad.
“With an array of movers and shakers in the global economic world evincing interest in the project, we hope our villagers will be able to sell their commodities for an international price, earning an income many fold higher than the present”, he added.
“This is an attempt to showcase the tradition, heritage, art and trade of the region in front of the world aiming at benefiting the local communities”, he added.
