Dubai-Based Businessman Mohammed Al Marzookhi Visits Kerala to Celebrate Beypore Heritage
Dubai-based Arab businessman Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzookhi is scheduled to arrive in Kozhikode on January 11, 2025, bringing with him heritage memorabilia from Kerala’s ancient Beypore port (Kozhikode District) . The Al Marzookhi family has maintained a three-generation trade relationship with Beypore, having acquired numerous ships constructed there. This visit also aims to gather information about prominent Beypore shipbuilders, such as the families of Muthiraparambu Hamsa Koya and Haji Basheer Koya, who historically built vessels for the Al Marzookhi family. His visit is deeply rooted in the Al Marzookhi family’s three-generation-long relationship with Beypore, a port that has played a significant role in global trade and wooden shipbuilding.
The Al Marzookhi family’s connection to Beypore goes back decades. Mohammed’s father and grandfather had long been patrons of Beypore’s legendary shipbuilders, commissioning numerous vessels for trade and fishing purposes. During this visit, Mohammed seeks to honor that legacy. He plans to gather detailed information about families like Muthiraparambu Hamsa Koya and Haji Basheer Koya, renowned shipbuilders who had created remarkable vessels for his family in the past. To aid his efforts, he has brought along photographs from his first visit to Beypore in 1986, when he accompanied his father to the historic port.
Beypore’s traditional wooden shipbuilding, known for crafting “Uru” (large wooden dhows), has left an indelible mark on the Al Marzookhi family and countless others who benefited from its expertise. For centuries, Arabs visited Beypore to commission these ships, which carried spices and other goods from Kerala to markets worldwide, cementing the port’s status as a vital hub in international trade.
Mohammed’s itinerary during his visit to Kerala is packed with events that blend tradition, culture, and future ambitions. On January 12, he will be attending the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Indian Truth newspaper at Kozhikode’s Malabar Palace Hotel. Kerala’s Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, and MLA T.P. Ramakrishnan are among the prominent guests expected to join him at the event.
But Mohammed’s interests extend beyond heritage. As someone deeply inspired by Kerala’s rich culture, he is spearheading the establishment of the Maharaja Swathi Thirunal International Indian School in Dubai, a project that reflects his appreciation for Kerala’s contributions to education and arts.
The narrative of his journey takes a royal turn on January 14 when he plans to visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum in Thiruvananthapuram. Here, Mohammed will meet members of the Travancore royal family, including Pooyam Thirunal Gowri Parvathi Bayi and Padma Shri Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi. His trip will also include visits to landmarks like the Palayam Juma Masjid and the State Bank of Travancore Museum before his return to Dubai on January 16.
This five-day journey, organized by Daies Idiculla, President of the World Malayalee Council’s Ajman Province, is more than a tribute to history. It is also a step toward the future, as Mohammed explores investment opportunities in Kerala’s marine, tourism, and education sectors.
For Mohammed, this visit is not only a personal homage to Beypore’s golden era but also a chance to bridge the past and future. To further enrich his journey, he is reaching out to anyone who can provide insights into the families of Muthiraparambu Hamsa Koya and Haji Basheer Koya, with contact numbers shared for assistance.
This trip is a testament to the timeless bond between Kerala’s Beypore port and the Arab world—a relationship that continues to thrive, carrying with it stories of trade, culture, and mutual respect across generations.
Individuals with information about the families of Muthiraparambu Hamsa Koya and Haji Basheer Koya are requested to contact via WhatsApp at +971 50 698 0613 (UAE) or +91 70127 03085 (India).
