La Alhambra

Classes started yesterday and I've been living in Granada for more than a week, but this post will be dedicated to the Alhambra, since that visit was full of interesting history. the Alhambra is a mini city that belonged to the Islamic rulers around the 13th and 14th centuries. This was really cool for me because the Arab history in Granada is one of the main reasons I chose to study in this city.

La puerta de la justicia (The Door of Justice) is the main entrance into the Alhambra.

Upon entering, the contrasting Islamic and Catholic features are obvious. Firstly, carved into the arch is a hand with five fingers to represent the five pillars of Islam. Above the second arch above the door is a key. According to tradition, the day that hand seizes the key will be the end of the world. The key can also be seen as a symbol for power, and it is found above other arches, as well.

Arriving at the Alcazaba (the fortress) was not simple--the path was sloped upwards and winding. Furthermore, there was space in the roof for guards to pour hot oil or through rocks at any trespassers. Situated on top of a hill, the Alhambra's location made it impossible for intruders to approach the fortress unnoticed.

The walls wrapped around the entire kingdom and stretched over the mountains. Not only did royalty live within its walls, but the military and their families, as well. Living in the Alhambra was considered paradise, and this was especially reflected in the palace. It featured many fountains of water engineered to naturally fill the pools of the various patios.

As for the decor, it continues to be a juxtaposition of Islamic and Catholic style. In Islam, depictions of people are forbidden, so the walls are covered with beautiful calligraphy. The most common phrase found on these walls is "there is no conqueror but Allah." Luckily, when the Catholic conquerors took the Alhambra, they left behind much of the Arab decor.

Of course, I couldn't complete this post without commenting on the Spanish words or names that have come from Arabic at this time.

Alcazaba: القصبة (al-qasabah), the name for these Moorish fortresses

Alhambra: الْحَمْرَاء‎ (al-hamra') meaning "the red one", (referring to the alcazaba)

Andalucía:الأندلس (al-andalus) the name for Andalusia, the large region of Southern Spain

Generalife: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف‎ (Jenat al-Arif) literally means Architect's paradise or garden and is the name of one of the palaces