Kozhikode awarded ‘City of Literature’ at UNESCO Creative Cities Network Conference

Why in the News?

• “Kozhikode” was awarded the title of ‘City of Literature’ at the 16th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Braga, Portugal.
  • The theme of this year’s UCCN conference is ‘Bringing youth to the table for the next decade’.

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Reasons for Kozhikode’s Selection

• Rich Literary Tradition: Kozhikode has a deep and rich literary heritage that spans centuries, contributing significantly to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
• Prominent Literary Figures: The city has been home to many renowned authors, poets, and scholars who have significantly contributed to Malayalam literature.
• Cultural Festivals and Events: Kozhikode hosts various literary festivals, book fairs, and cultural events that promote literature and reading among the community.
• Educational Institutions: The presence of several prestigious educational institutions that emphasise literature and the arts played a crucial role in its selection.
• Community Engagement: Active involvement of local communities in promoting and preserving literary culture through libraries, reading clubs, and literary societies.
• Literary Infrastructure: Well-established libraries, publishing houses, and bookshops that support and nurture the scholarly ecosystem.

Historic Contributions of Kozhikode

• Malayalam Literature: Kozhikode has been a centre for Malayalam literature and scholarly activities. It has produced notable literary figures and is a hub for literary festivals and cultural events.
• Astronomy and Mathematics: The region, under the patronage of the Zamorins, was a centre for advancements in astronomy and mathematics, contributing significantly to the fields through scholars like the 14th-century mathematician and astronomer Madhava of Sangamagrama.