VISIONS OF ISLAM
Muslims invaded Iberia in 711CE, and within a few decades controlled most of the peninsula. Their first capital was Cordoba (756-1031), then Seville (1040-1248), and finally Granada (1248-1492). While the rest of Europe languished, in El Andalus (the Muslim name for their Iberian empire) science, literacy and architecture flourished. Christian forces from the north waged an 800-year war, slowly pushing south until Granada’s final fall in 1492.
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TILES AND ARCHES Though we saw some old books and heard some old songs, most of what we could encounter today was in the surviving architecture. It’s an esthetic and engineering technique that continued into Christian (or Jewish) construction. |
Inside the Alcazar, Seville |
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Alcazar, Seville |
Ceiling in the Mosque of Cordoba |
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Part of the synagogue in Cordoba, built in Muslim
times. |
One of the doors on the Great mosque of Cordoba |
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Ronda. Private mansion now a museum. |
√ Granada.
Another example of Islamic style in building. |
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THE MEZQUITA, CORDOBA The Mezquita (Mosque) of Cordoba was constructed and enlarged by a succession of Muslim rulers in the 8th and 9th centuries C.E. It is remarkable for its rows upon rows of red&white double arches. Around the Mihrab (the prayer niche facing Mecca) are typical inscriptions from the Koran. After the reconquest of Cordoba by Christian rulers, a cathedral was created within one large section of this even larger building. I have some more photos of the Mezquita/Cathedral in the Fortresses and Churches file. |
Mezquita, Cordoba |
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Mosque, Cordoba |
Not a mosque.
It’s a synagogue in Toledo |
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Surviving Mihrab of the Mezquita in Cordoba |
Surviving eastern wall of the synagogue in Cordoba |
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THE ALHAMBRA The final capital city of Muslim Andalucia was Granada. There the wonderful palace called the Alhambra was home to the ruling family, enclosed townsite for a support population, seat of government and setting for fountains and gardens. Though much of it is gone, what remains (and is under restoration) is a wonder and delight. |
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BATH HOUSES. The Muslims adapted the Roman bathhouse technology. Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness meant that many many were built. Later Christianity’s avoidance of the sensual meant that most were abandoned. A few survive. |
The “ArabBaths” in Girona are actually
123th century Christian |
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Cordoba.
Don’t know how old this bathhouse is, but we paid for two hours
here |
13th century CE bathhouse in Ronda. This is the largest surviving intact Arab
bath in Spain. |
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