A Taste of Colonial Portugal in Fort Kochi, India
Almost immediately upon arriving into Fort Kochi, India, you feel how ancient everything is.
Add in the architecture from multiple religions that co-existed at one point here, and you have a mess of a very deep and vivid history.
You literally have a mix of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Communism, and British and Portuguese Colonialism, all in one.
Also, there is a fun element of animals wandering around freely here, goats, cats, chickens, dogs… but no cows this time?
A Time of Portuguese Colonialism
The buildings, for the most part, are VERY old. Back when Portugal was a dominant capitalistic and imperialistic force on the world stage, they came to India seeking trade.
With them, they brought Christianity, and an Iberian/Romanesque-style of architecture.
A Mix of Old and New
Over the generations, there is a mixing of old architecture, and the new.
The Market
The market in Kochi, India is absolutely ancient. Built on top of itself, layer after layer.
Each generation replenishing their wares to suit the current demands, yet the feeling of colonialism still lingers.
You can buy pretty much everything here, from local goods, to tourist trinkets, and even giant statues for your hotels and villas.
The Fishermen of Fort Kochi
Not much has changed in the way of fishing over the last several hundred years.
Men still go out in boats to find fresh fish, and various engineering spectacles have been used to catch fish that are willing to venture close to the coast.
The only difference now is the extreme amount of pollution and nearby industrialization.
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Communism
All 3 religions have existed within this region of India – the dominant religion now being Islam.
Judaism grew during the Spanish Inquisition of the 16th century, which caused many Jews of leave Europe from death and torture.
Islam eventually took over due to a lack of funding and military support from Christian Europe.
And a communist government is the new addition to the region, since the population is primarily of the low socio-economic strata. So it's an interesting mix of an Islamic-Communist viewpoint.
Bonus: Goats doing Goat Things
Goats, chickens, cats, and dogs roam around freely in this city. All with respect and full autonomy.
Full Kochi, India Gallery
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