Everything You Need To Know: The Alhambra Edition

“By Far One of the Most Beautiful Sights I Have Been To” 

Do you know the feeling of being in shock from seeing something so great? It literally takes your breath away. It’s these instances that motivate me to live in the moment. As much as pictures can do some of it justice, there is no other feeling than seeing something so great for the first time. I try to live in the moment. In fact, I yearn to experience these awe-inspiring moments because I know that there is still so much I have left to learn. That was how I felt after I saw the Alhambra. It was the first destination on my study abroad trip to Spain and it was the best experience! Easily one of the most fascinating historical destinations I have seen to date, so without future ado, let’s begin!

The Alhambra

Granada, Spain is home to the Alhambra, a mesmerizing Spaniard palace that was once home to royals and the military that helped to defend the city from invaders. Upon looking at the palace, there is a major overarching theme of Arab and Islamic influence that has a heavy impact on Spain’s civilization today. To really appreciate this deep-rooted history, we have to go back to the 10th century.

7-11th Century Egypt

The Arab-Islamic civilization arguably made one of the greatest impacts on society. Islamisation lasted two centuries, but Arabisation was “unstoppable’. During the second half of the 7th century, Islam reached North Africa and throughout the 8th to 11th century Arab dynasties acted independently. For example, Banū Sālih in Nakūr, the Idrisids in Fez, and the Aghlanids (9th cent), and Fatimids (10-11cent) in Tunisia. Dating back to the 10th century, the Fatimids moved to Egypt where the Zirids were awarded the government of Ifrīqiya. Here the emirate of Kairouan was founded but unfortunately did not last until the year 1148 when the Normans of Sicily defeated them. Another Zirid faction, the Hammadids set up a new city: Qal’at Banī Hammād, located in M’sila. These were some of the most impressive fortress cities in North Africa. It was the center of major cultural development and academic achievements. 

14th Century: La Reconquista

After the Christian Reconquista in 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella converted the palace into a more Renaissance-based style. Consequently, reconstruction of the palace was not completed due to the Morisco rebellions in Granada, which is why you still see the significant Islamic influences.

Lasting Impacts: Arab & Islamic Influence

The Alhambra has a lot of influence from the original Moorish empire, which you can see from the intricate architecture that surrounds the palace; however, it was later taken over by the Christians in the Baroque period; a common theme in the history surrounding the Andalusian regions. Moorish influence includes ancient domes, lavish gardens, and animal motifs. An overarching theme includes the harmonization of space, light, water, and ornamentation. An interesting fact about the Alhambra is that it was constructed so there is no direct light touching the inside. Many of the gardens are surrounded by elements of water, which are connected by little paths that surround the palace. One of the fountains, in particular, includes a very famous animal motif, the lion which represents majesty, power, and royalty. 

Other elements that were highlighted at the Alhambra were on the front doors. The hand on the top represents the five pillars of Islam, the conchas, represents prosperity, and the key represents its impossible entry among enemies. 

Alhambra Highlights

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

So There You Have It: See For Yourself

It was an overall incredible experience. We had a tour guide with us explaining to us bits of important history that explained a lot of the Islamic influence that I saw all throughout the South of Spain. If you have the opportunity to visit this incredible sight, then add this to your bucket list! If not, then check out all about this famous palace right here!

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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