Cordoba

This Friday we went to Cordoba to see the Madina Al-Zahra and the Great Mosque of Cordoba. I have been learning in both my Arab World and the West and my Islamic Art and Architecture that Muslims had a huge influence on Spanish architecture and culture. We were learning about these buildings on Wednesday and went to see them on Friday. It really helps to see the actual places instead of just learning by seeing pictures and learning facts.

Anyways, so the city of Al-Zahra was built in the 10th century by the first Muslim leader in Spain. The city was eventually ruined and pillaged and naturally covered by a mudslide of the hill behind it. It was then spoken about only as a myth. But in 1910, an architect uncovered the entire city and now the ruins tell us more about the Islamic influence here in Spain. Here are some pictures of the ruins:

Madinat Al- Zahra ruins.

The old city walls.

More views of the mythical city.

Horseshoe archs, representative of the Muslim architects.

An intricate capital.

After the ruins, we went to the Great Mosque of Cordoba. This mosque was built in the same time period as the city above. It had to be enlarged every generation that Muslims were still in power. Then when Christians claimed Cordoba, they didn't want a mosque in the center of the city and therefore, built a cathedral within the mosque. The architects that did this didn't know how to build because now, the mosque's supports and archs are leaning because of the huge dome the Catholics placed in the middle of the mosque. The archs in the mosque were not built for such a structure and will eventually break. It is a sad story, but for now, the beauty remains! Here are a few pictures from the mosque:

Mihrab of the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

The minaret at the Mosque, where they used to call prayer from.

The cathedral ceiling, inside the mosque.

Infinite arches to symbolize Allah's infinite presence.

Outside the mosque.

The immense altar. 

The rest of the weekend was really great. I met up with some friends from high school who happened to be visiting and we all went out together. Yesterday, I finalized all my plans for spring break and today I am relaxing and doing homework with friends. I love this city and never want to leave! But I am traveling to London this weekend to meet up with  my boyfriend, Willie and then he and his friend will be coming back to Granada for the week! A lot of exciting things coming up!