#Madinat al-Zahra

[fotograrte]

Bote de Fátima (MAN)

Bote de marfil, realizado el año 964 (353 de la Hégira), procedente de la Catedral de Zamora.

Continue reading Bote de Fátima (MAN)

[workersolidarity]

🇵🇸⚔️🇮🇱 🚀🪖💥 🚨

AL-QASSAM BRIGADES TARGET INVADING ZIONIST TANKS AND ARMORED VEHICLES WITH ROCKETS IN THE GAZA STRIP

📹 Palestinian resistance forces with the Al-Qassam Brigades, belonging to the Hamas resistance movement, target with ATGM rockets invading Zionist Merkava tanks and armored vehicles in the Madinat Al-Zahra area, in the central Gaza Strip.

#source

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[arc-hus]

Madinat Al-Zahra Museum - Córdoba - Nieto Sobejano Architects

http://www.nietosobejano.com

[depleti]

Happy new year! I finished the cover for Chapter 23 (it's on Patreon) and felt compelled to collect all the previous covers together in one post.

The covers started off with the idea of mimicking the art styles often found on picture stones, being even more figurative and abstract than the style used in the comic itself. Over time they became less detailed but were always a fun departure that allowed me to play around with different layouts or design elements.

It was especially fun to bring in historic designs connected to cultures featured in the comic. Some specifics include:

Swirls inspired by Newgrange carvings for "The Thrall" and others that focus on Hedda/Saoirse.

Various Andalusian/Islamic design elements from the Mosque of Cordoba, the Madinat al-Zahra, and of course the Alhambra used in "Al Andalus" and "The Moor."

A magical stave is mixed with a hnefatafl board for the "Iceland" cover. The symbol is the Vegvísir stave meant to help someone find their way in rough weather. Arne also has a Helm of Awe on his chest in "The Skraeling." These staves would not have been used by Vikings (they're from the 17th century), but they look cool and that's reason enough to use them!

The "Homeward" cover features Arne split between a more Viking-like art style and one inspired by carvings from his birth culture, the Dorset.

Ogham inscription stones are the focus for "Freedom." They transliterate the Hail Mary prayer, which Hedda prays when we first meet her.

The ancient "red dancers" surround Angrboda's cave entrance in "Compensation." I already went into more detail about the red dancers in this post if you'd like to read more about them. They're really cool.

The cover for Chapter 23 also has a non-Viking inspired design to it, but it'll be a few weeks before it becomes public. If you'd like to see it now, and new pages as they're created, please consider joining my Patreon.

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my thought process and inspirations. History is full of amazing things and people have been creating art since they had time to do so. It's as close to time travel as we'll ever get.

[condadodecastilla]

Los sabios de Qurtuba: Cuando la capital de Al Ándalus alumbró al mundo - Libro

Córdoba fue una de las ciudades míticas en la historia del mediterráneo como Atenas, Roma, Bizancio o Florencia. Su esplendor monumental se asocia a su papel como metrópoli de estado, capital de Al Ándalus entre los años 716 y 1031. En Qurtuba y Madinat al-Zahra deslumbraron científicos y poetas que supieron aglutinar e irradiar sabiduría de la Antigüedad y Oriente. Incluso tras su declive y del…

[dsandrvk]

Saturday, March 30 - Granada

Today was our Alhambra day. I had always thought of the Alhambra as a series of buildings all interconnected - now I realize I had been thinking of the Nasdrid Palace, which is only a small part of the entire complex that sits atop the hill. The Alhambra actually includes many other buildings, including baths, gardens, a convent (now the parador), the Alcazaba (fort), a Renaissance building named for Carlos V, and many other small buildings and gates. In addition, to the east, and higher still is the Generalife, another complex of buildings and gardens.

Most of the Alhambra is open to the public, but the Generalife, the Alcazaba and the Nasdrid Palace require a ticket, and the latter has a timed entry. Our time was for 2:30, so we chose to head up the hill after breakfast, so we could visit all the other spaces. Our little apartment has a microwave, cooktop and nice fridge, so we can eat in on this crazy weekend. We headed first for the Generalife, since it wasn't raining right at this moment. The Generalife, despite being in the same area, was actually the summer palace and a place to get away from the regular palace intrigue. It is higher in elevation, and has a spectacular view out over the city.

The gardens here are part of the draw, with lovely fountains and the Arabic sense of symmetry. There are lots of things blooming at the same time here that bloom more in sequence in the States - irises, tulips, tree peonies, wisteria, and lots of what we consider annuals. The palaces themselves are highly decorated with stone and plaster carvings and beautiful tile. The garden paths have lots of decorative stonework paths, with white and black stones and lots of patterns of animals, including this cat. Most of the patterns are geometric or of floral forms. Because this is an especially busy weekend, there were almost continual tours going through, but if we waited about five minutes, they would move on through.

We took our time looking at all the details and the plantings and eventually made our way to the upper gardens, where we could see the patterns of hedge topiary below. We had been lucky with the weather up to this point, but it had now started to rain, so we moved on. Since we were in the "secure" area, we were able to walk along some lovely gardens on our way back to a turnstile by the parador and a return to the public (unpaid) area.

From here our next stop was the Alcazaba, on the opposite end of the hill. It was included on our ticket, and the line to enter was fairly long, but it was rather underwhelming. There are three towers still remaining, but the rest of the castle is gone, as are many of the defensive areas. While we spent a lot of time at the Generalife, which exceeded our expectations, here we were disappointed in the lack of interpretation and what was left. We found the Alcazaba in Ronda to be far more interesting and complete.

We now had almost two hours until our Nasdrid Palace entry, and it was raining fairly heavily. We spent some time in the Carlos V, along with loads of other people trying to stay dry. There is quite a nice little free museum here with lots of artifacts from the Alhambra. Here they had the original "lions" from Nasdrid, as well as lots of pottery and tile work from the area. References were also made to the importance of Madinat-Al-Zahra, where we were outside of Cordoba, which tied things together for us.

After the museum we found a dry little corner to wait the last half hour before our timed entrance. We were able to go in a few minutes early, and like the Generalife, the tours came in waves, and we could wait them out to see the things we wanted. The Nasdrid Palace is amazing, and well worth the weather, crowds and all. The amount of decorative stone and plaster work is amazing, and although the parts don't always seem to go together stylistically,the symmetry helps hold it all together.

There is room after room of beautiful tile work, sculpted stone work, and incredible ceilings in wood, plaster and painted leather. There is pretty much no surface that has not been embellished, and when taken as a whole, the number of craftsman hours to create all of it is staggering. The windows are set to perfectly frame small and large vistas, and the doorways sometimes align, but other times are just enough off center to create an air of mystery. And it just goes on and on.

The most famous area is the courtyard of the lions, with 124 slender columns framing a lovely courtyard with a fountain supported by twelve sculpted lion figures, all spouting water, also. The proportions are beautiful, and in the hall on one side are the only human figures portrayed in the entire complex - hunting and feasting scenes. Orange trees are also a design element in this courtyard.

After almost two hours of wandering, we came out onto an extensive garden complex, and could with exit quickly via a staircase or take the long way through the gardens. Since the rain had eased up a bit, we took the long way and wound up close to the Generalife before turning back again to the west. By this point, we were being herded through certain areas, as they were setting up for the last procession of the week, one that starts here at the Alhambra and then works its way down the hill and through town. Security was also beefed up, and our options for leaving were limited to one street down and out. Since it was at least 90 minutes before anything would be happening and the rain had started up again (not to mention being 45 degrees), we decided to leave them to it, and go back and get warm and dry.

The Alhambra is truly an amazing place, and lives up to the hype, but the crush of humanity, especially when they are all carrying umbrellas, is a bit overwhelming. Even with restricted entry the places are too crowded, and there seems to be an effort to get people to hire guides, rather than providing much Interpretation. The trouble with the guided tours is that they go through so quickly, and only touch the highlights, which is why we opted to take our time and do a lot of looking.

Tomorrow we have a "free" day with nothing much planned, as we had originally hoped to visit Guadix, but couldn't get the train schedule to work out reasonable times. The rainy, cold and windy weather is supposed to continue, only more intense than even today. We were lucky to have a few drier hours in the morning at the Generalife and at the Nasdrid Palace in the afternoon, but the rest of the day was fairly miserable. It must be hard for the restaurants and vendors to have their biggest week be such a washout. We will see what tomorrow brings!

[whencyclopedfr]

Abd al-Rahmān III

Abd al-Rahmān III , parfois francisé Abdérame III, était un prince omeyyade qui régna en tant qu'émir de Cordoue, puis calife de Cordoue, de 912 à 961. Son règne est considéré comme l'âge d'or de l'Espagne musulmane et de la domination omeyyade, illustré par la déclaration du second califat omeyyade en 929. Il rétablit un État musulman unifié en Espagne et présida à l'expansion de sa capitale, Cordoue, ainsi qu'à la fondation de l'impressionnant palais califal de Madinat al-Zahra.

Lire la suite...

[coulisses-tv]

"Science grand format" : « Madinat Al-Zahra, la cité perdue d'Al-Andalus » sur France 5 jeudi 28 septembre 2023 - Vidéo

http://dlvr.it/SwcNcf

[travelluxegroup]

Luxury Photography in the Heart of Fes – Exploring Morocco’s Cultural Capital

Capturing the Soul of Fes Through Luxury Photography If you’re interested in exploring Morocco’s cultural capital through luxury photography, then Fes should definitely be on your bucket list. This city has so much to offer in terms of beauty, architecture, culture, and history. To capture the soul of Fes through luxury photography, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 1. Explore the Medina The Medina is the heart and soul of Fes. It’s a labyrinthine city made up of narrow alleyways, stunning architecture, and bustling markets. Exploring the Medina is the best way to get a sense of the city’s history and culture. The Medina is also home to some of the most stunning examples of Moorish and Andalusian architecture in the world, so be sure to bring your camera! 2. Visit the Sidi Bou Abib Mosque The Sidi Bou Abib Mosque is one of the most picturesque places in Fes. The mosque was built in the 14th century and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate tilework. The mosque is located in the heart of the Medina and is easily accessible. Be sure to take your time and explore the mosque’s stunning interiors. 3. Capture the Tanneries The tanneries in Fes are a sight to behold. These ancient leather factories are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. The tanneries are located in the heart of the Medina and are accessible by foot. Be sure to capture the vibrant colors and interesting patterns created by the dyeing process. 4. Visit the Royal Palace The Royal Palace in Fes is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. The palace is located outside the Medina and is easily accessible by car or taxi. The palace is known for its stunning gardens, intricate mosaics, and opulent interiors. Be sure to take your time and explore the palace’s stunning interiors and exteriors. 5. Sample the Food and Drink Fes is known for its delicious cuisine and rich culinary history. Be sure to sample some of the local delicacies while you’re in town. Moroccan mint tea, tagine, and harira are just a few of the many delicious dishes you can savor in Fes. Be sure to capture the vibrant colors and beautiful presentations of the food you try. Overall, Fes is an incredibly rich and rewarding destination for luxury photography. From the Medina to the tanneries to the Royal Palace, the city offers a wealth of stunning and unique subjects to capture with your lens. So pack your camera and head to Fes – you won’t be disappointed! Exploring the Cultural Capital of Morocco Morocco is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. Its cultural capital, Fes, is home to numerous architectural landmarks, historical sites, and museums that are steeped in history and rich in culture. Madinat al-Zahra Located in the heart of Fes, Madinat al-Zahra is the perfect place to start your cultural exploration of Morocco. This historic site dates back to the 9th century and was once the capital of the Islamic empire in Andalusia. The site features numerous monuments and ruins, including a mosque, palace, and gardens. Bou Inania Madrasa The Bou Inania Madrasa is another must-see attraction in Fes. Built in the 14th century, this Islamic school has been beautifully preserved and features intricate tile work, carvings, and mosaics. Visitors can explore the many courtyards, prayer halls, and living quarters that make up this stunning complex. Medina of Fes The Medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. This ancient walled city is home to countless shops, markets, and historical landmarks, including the famous tanneries and the Qarawiyyin Library. Visitors can wander through the winding streets and alleys, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant city. Museum of Moroccan Arts The Museum of Moroccan Arts is a great place to learn more about the country's rich history and culture. The museum features a stunning collection of traditional textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and other artifacts. Visitors can take a tour of the museum and learn about the different techniques and styles used in traditional Moroccan art. Exploring the cultural capital of Morocco is a truly unforgettable experience. From historic landmarks and museums to bustling markets and traditional crafts, there is something for everyone to discover in this vibrant city. The Beauty of Fes: A Photographic Journey Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, is a city that offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts. From the narrow alleyways of the medina to the intricate details of the architecture, Fes is a feast for the eyes. A walk through the city's vibrant streets is a photographer's dream, with every turn revealing a new scene to capture. The Medina The Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's largest and most well-preserved medieval Islamic cities. The maze of narrow alleyways lined with shops selling traditional wares and market stalls overflowing with spices, fruits, and vegetables, is a visual delight. The busy streets and alleys offer plenty of opportunities to capture candid shots of the locals going about their daily lives. The Architecture Beyond the bustling medina, Fes is home to some of Morocco's most impressive historical architecture. The city's famous landmarks, like the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Al-Attarine Madrasa, provide great subjects for architectural photography. The intricate details of the tile work and stucco carvings on the buildings' facades and interiors are simply breathtaking. The Tanneries No visit to Fes is complete without a stop at the tanneries in the medina. The tanneries, which have been in operation for over a thousand years, offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional process of leather making. The colorful vats of dye and the workers processing the hides make for great photos. The Food No discussion of Fes is complete without mentioning the local cuisine. Moroccan food is a feast for all the senses, and Fes is no exception. The city's street food scene is a treasure trove of delicious bites to fuel your photography adventures. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like tagine and harira soup and document the mouth-watering dishes in your pictures. Fes is a city that should be on every photographer's bucket list. With its stunning architecture, bustling medina, and vibrant street life, Fes is a true gem of Morocco. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, Fes is a place where you can capture beautiful and unique images. A Guide to Luxury Photography in Fes Fes is a city steeped in culture and history, making it a photographer’s dream location. Capturing the beauty of Fes can be done through various camera lenses, but to truly experience the luxury of photography in Fes, here are a few tips: The Medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with good reason. It is a maze of narrow alleys, colorful markets, and intricate architecture, all begging to be captured on camera. To truly capture the essence of the Medina, consider hiring a local guide to take you to the best spots, including hidden courtyards, stunning riads, and bustling souks. 2. Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa The Al-Attarine Madrasa is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, with intricate tile work and carved wooden ceilings. This historic building makes for the perfect backdrop when shooting portraits, as well as for capturing the details of the building itself. Make sure to go early in the morning to avoid crowds and to catch the best light. 3. Capture the View from the Merenid Tombs The Merenid Tombs are located on a hill overlooking Fes, providing a stunning panoramic view of the city. This location is perfect for capturing the bustling city below, as well as the surrounding landscape. Consider going during sunset for a golden hour shoot. 4. Embrace the Local Culture Fes has a rich cultural heritage, with traditions that have been passed down for generations. Embrace the local culture by photographing traditional dress, street performers, and festivals. Make sure to ask for permission before taking photos of people, and consider supporting local artisans and performers by purchasing their products or giving them a small tip for their time. 5. Book a Luxury Photography Tour For the ultimate luxury photography experience in Fes, consider booking a private photography tour with a professional photographer. These tours often provide access to exclusive locations and offer personalized instruction and feedback. They also offer the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Fes while capturing stunning photographs. By following these tips, you can capture the beauty and luxury of Fes through your camera lens. Remember to respect the local culture and traditions, and to have fun exploring this historic city. Capturing the Colors and Textures of Fes Walking through the winding alleys of the Medina, photographers can capture the vibrant colors and unique textures that make Fes so special. The rich and diverse history of the city is reflected in the architecture, artwork, and handcrafts found throughout the Medina. Brightly colored doors, intricate tile work, and beautifully crafted wooden balconies all make for fantastic photography subjects. One of the most striking features of Fes are the ancient tanneries that can be found in the Medina. Here, leather is still dyed using traditional methods, resulting in a breathtaking array of colors and textures. Photographers can capture the process in action, as workers splash dye onto hides and hang them out to dry in the sun. Food is an integral part of Moroccan culture, and the colors and textures of the country's cuisine make for fantastic photography subjects. From the vibrant spices used in tagine dishes to the colorful fruits and vegetables found in markets throughout Fes, there is no shortage of delicious and visually stunning food to capture. The Souks The markets, or souks, of Fes offer a treasure trove of photography opportunities. Colorful textiles, intricate jewelry, and beautiful ceramics are just a few of the items that can be found in the souks. Photographers can capture the bustling energy of the market, as vendors call out to potential customers and shoppers haggle for the best prices. Fes is home to some of the most stunning architecture in the world. From the intricate designs found on the doors of homes and businesses to the towering minarets of mosques, there are endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the city's buildings. The Medina's narrow streets also offer unique perspectives on Fes's architecture, with views that can be difficult to capture elsewhere. In conclusion, Fes is a photographer's dream destination, offering a wealth of vibrant colors and unique textures to capture. Whether exploring the Medina, visiting the tanneries, sampling the delicious cuisine, or browsing the markets, photographers will find endless inspiration in this cultural capital. Tips for Photographing the Architecture of Fes One of the prime attractions of Fes is its incredible architecture. Whether it's the intricate detailing of the traditional Moroccan riads or the towering minarets of the mosques, Fes is a photographer's paradise. Here are some tips on how to capture the best shots of the city's architecture: 1. Choose the Right Time of Day The best time to photograph the architecture of Fes is in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering. The harsh midday sun can create deep shadows and make it difficult to capture the details of the architecture. 2. Experiment with Angles Try shooting from different angles to capture the unique character of the architecture. For example, getting down low and shooting upwards can highlight the intricate details of a building's facade, while shooting from above can capture a bird's eye view of the bustling city. 3. Focus on Details The beauty of Fes' architecture lies in the intricate details, so be sure to zoom in and focus on the smaller elements. This could be the intricate carvings on a wooden door, the intricate zellij tilework, or the ornate brass lamps hanging overhead in the souks. 4. Use Natural Frames Fes is full of natural frames that can help to add interest and depth to your photos. Look for archways, doorways, and windows that can frame your subject and add a sense of context to the shot. 5. Be Respectful It's important to remember that the buildings and architecture in Fes are not just props for your photos but are a significant part of the city's cultural heritage. When taking photographs, always be respectful and mindful of the local traditions and customs. By following these tips, you'll be able to capture the beauty and majesty of Fes' architecture in all its glory. Conclusion: Preserving the Essence of Fes Through Photography Fes is a city that captures the essence of Moroccan culture, from its winding alleyways and bustling markets to its ancient architecture and vibrant traditions. Through the lens of a camera, we can capture these unique and fleeting moments that make Fes so special. Luxury photography allows us to not only preserve these memories but also showcase them to the world. By taking photographs in Fes, we are also participating in the preservation of its cultural heritage. As tourism grows, it becomes more important than ever to celebrate and protect the unique traditions and architecture that make Fes such a treasure. By capturing and sharing the beauty of Fes, we are helping to promote sustainable tourism practices and ensure that this incredible city remains intact for generations to come. Photography in Fes can also be a fun and rewarding experience. From street photography to portraits and landscapes, there is always something to capture and explore. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Fes offers ample opportunity for creativity and experimentation. Overall, photography in Fes is an incredible way to experience and celebrate Morocco's cultural capital. By capturing and sharing these moments through luxury photography, we can preserve and promote the essence of Fes for years to come. So pack your camera and explore the winding streets of this incredible city – you never know what you might discover. Read the full article

[fotostrenado]

Arcos

[archaeologicalnews]

Using new archaeological techniques to uncover more about our past

Bournemouth University researchers are using new archaeological techniques and technologies to learn more about an iconic Islamic palace in Southern Spain.

Constructed in the mid-10th century, and abandoned in the 11th, the medieval palace city of Madinat al-Zahra showcased the prestige and power of the Islamic caliphate in Iberia. While much archaeological excavation and interpretation has focused on the architecture of the palace, almost the entirety of the accompanying 100-hectare city remains unexplored.

What remains of Madinat al-Zahra reveals much about the people who lived there and the goods they created – giving insight into the cultural and technological transfer of ideas and production methods over the period. Read more.

[3linaturabi]

A CHRISTIAN MONK AND THE HEAD OF IMAM HUSSAIN {AS} AFTER HIS MARTYRDOM.

When the Ummayad army (la) brought the Head to of Imam Hussain (as) and stopped at a place called Qansareen, a Christian monk looked out from his monastery to the Head, thus he saw a bright light emerging from His Mouth and ascending to the sky.

Hence, he took ten thousand Dirhams and took the Head from the ummayad's army and brought it into his monastery, and then he heard a voice and didn't see anyone.

So he said:" Touba (Tree in Heaven) is for you and Touba is for whoever knows your sanctity!" Then the monk raised his head and said:

"Oh Lord! For the sake of Issa (Jesus (as)), order this Head to talk to me!"

Therefore, the Head of Imam Hussain (as) spoke and said:

"Oh monk! What do you want?"

He said:" Who are You?"

And the head of Imam Hussain (as) said:" I Am the Son of Prophet Muhammad Al-Mustafa (saww);

I Am the Son of Imam Ali Al-Murtaza (as);

I Am the Son of Sayyidah Fatima Al-Zahra (sa);

I Am the One killed in Karbala;

I Am the oppressed One and I am the thirsty One," and then He stopped talking.

So the monk put his face on the face of Imam Hussain (as) and said:" I shall not raise my face off your face until You say:' I Am your interceder on the Day of Resurrection.'"

The Head spoke again and said:" Deviate to the religion of My Grandfather (Prophet Muhammad (saww))."

Then the monk said:" I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify that Muhammad (saww) is the Messenger of Allah."

So Imam Hussain (as) accepted to be his interceder on the day of judgement, and in the morning, the bani ummayad's army (la) took the Head from the Christian Monk and also the Dirhams; but when they reached the valley, they saw that the Dirhams turned into stones."

References: Manaqeb Ashoub vol.3 p.217. Al-Bihar vol.45 p.303.

Madinat Al-Maajez vol.4 p.112.

Al-Awalem p.617.

[lacamaradelarte-blog]

🏺Bote de al-Mughira

🙎🏽‍♂️Se le atribuye al Maestro Halaf.

📆año 968 d.C.

🎨Califal cordobés.

🔨Marfil de elefante y metal para los cierres y bisagras.

📍 Museo del Louvre

Tras la muerte del primer califa cordobés, Abd al-Rahman III, en el año 961 en Madinat al-Zahra, le sucede su hijo al-Hakan II (aunque también lo podemos encontrar como Alhakén, Alhaquén o al-Hakam), segundo califa omeya de Córdoba.

Al-Hakan II mandó a fabricar este bote (o píxide) a la tiraz cordobesa residente en Madinat al-Zahra. Una tiraz era el lugar donde se trabajaba con materiales de lujo, como podría ser el marfil de elefante.

El califa cordobés se lo regaló a su hermano pequeño al-Mughira, que parece ser iba a ser su sucesor, aunque el califa siempre quiso que fuera su hijo Hisham. Finalmente, al-Mughira fue asesinado antes de poder reclamar su derecho dinástico por una conjura palaciega, alzándose como califa Hisham II, prácticamente un niño, tras la muerte de su padre al-Hakan II. El reinado de Hisham II se caracterizará por ser un títere en manos de su madre Subh y Almanzor.

El bote fue realizado en el tiraz de Madinat al-Zahra mediante la técnica de la talla y el trépano.

PARA SABER MÁS VISITA NUESTRA WEB

[dsandrvk]

Sunday, March 24 - Cordoba

It was Palm Sunday here in Cordoba, and we decided it was better to get out of town a bit and try to avoid the largest crowds. We had planned to go to Madinat-Al-Zahra (also known as Medina al Zahra), which is an archeological site about 15 minutes west of town. To get there one can take a special tourist bus that we bought tickets for yesterday. We arrived at the visitor center, where we got our tickets for the site itself, and did a short tour of the exhibits there which include many artifacts found on the site, as well as explanations about the building of the city, with panels both in Spanish and English. Unfortunately the English translations were so bad as to be pretty much incomprehensible, and when one considers the expense of the visitor center, the conservation rooms, etc. and the lovely landscaped grounds surrounding the building, it is unfortunate that they didn't find a true bilingual person or a native English speaker to at least review the translations.

From here we took a shuttle bus another 3 km to the actual site, which is located at the base of the nearby mountains. Madinat-Al-Zahra means "shining city", and was constructed beginning in 940 by the first Caliph of Al-Andalus, Abd-al-Rahman III. The upper part of the city was the Alcazar, or palace of the Caliph, as well as administrative buildings and support for the palace. The mosque was actually below in the Medina, and the rest of the city even further down the site. Speculation is such that political power was stronger than religion, defined by this arrangement.

Since this city lasted only around 75 years before internal political wrangling caused the caliphate to fail, it became a great source of building materials for the surrounding area, including Cordoba, 8 km away. As a result, much of it was stripped to the ground, and the remainder left in piles. Enough was left, however, that the outlines of the city could be determined, and some reconstruction has helped give modern viewers an idea of what the city might have been like. Only about half has actually been excavated.

The grand arches of the entrance to the city still command attention, and the political center of the Alcazar has been recreated from both original materials and substituted structures. They have been very good in providing necessary supports without making them seem like total reconstructions - it is fairly easy to see what was original or recovered, and what has been recreated.

Our weather was quite strange - it was supposed to be another hot day, but the air was so murky (probably dust in the air from Africa carried by strong southern winds), it stayed cool and when it did sprinkle a bit later in the day, it left dust marks everywhere. We were glad it wasn't as hot as yesterday, but miss those Spanish blue skies.

Our bus back was at 12:45, so we made sure we had seen all we could by the time we had to leave. In the past the lower areas of the site had been open, but they are working on them at present, so we only really saw the Alcazar area. We wouldn't really have had time to see more, anyway, although the gardens and pond looked interesting from above. We were a bit surprised at how many people were out here - even on a Sunday, and how many of them were formal tours.

We got back to Cordoba around 1, and after a little lunch, set out to hit as many sights on the tourist map as we could find. We weren't interested in museums (most were closed today, anyway), but went to interesting little streets, plazas and casas. Some of the streets we had explored before on our way to the Alcazar and the Mezquita, but many were new to us, and we kept running into the same tour groups.

The picture of the red and white striped eatery is actually the site of the Arab baths, and every where we turned there was something from the Moorish past. This being Palm Sunday, there had obviously been a procession or two in the morning, with the participants filling the bars local to their churches afterwards. At one point we were wandering through a garden when a steady stream of people passed us by, and kept coming and kept coming. They were coming from the direction in which we were headed, and it was obvious that something had just let out. It turns out it must have been another procession, since we saw the musicians still bunched up and later a steady stream of participants with the high cone hoods. We had seen some earlier with white hoods (different society and church) but these later ones had dark green velveteen hoods. They looked really hot and uncomfortable, and for every person still in a hood, there were three or four just carrying theirs by this time.

There were also a lot of small children with drums that they just acquired for today's festivities. I bet there are a lot of parents who will be regretting those acquisitions in the coming days. We saw more olive branches than palm fronds being carried around, but that is probably because olive trees are so plentiful. It was interesting to see the mix of people decked out for services, and those dressed more casually. We haven't seen the number of shorts and tank tops we were seeing in Seville, though, which were mostly tourists.

By the time we were done with our little tour, we had covered eight miles, including at the arch site in the morning and were ready to relax. Tomorrow we head off to the much smaller (and ideally more peaceful) town of Antequera. Our luck with weather may be over, as rain is predicted for the foreseeable future. But then today was supposed to be hot, so we'll take it as it comes. And there's always rain gear!

[admelioraii]

Al Andalus III: One of the world's greatest civilizations; The downfall and end, Part 1.

Previous parts:

Al Andalus I: The dawn of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.

Al Andalus II: One of the world’s greatest civilizations; Times of Glory, Part 1.

Al Andalus II: One of the world’s greatest civilizations; Times of Glory, Part 2.

Al Andalus III: One of the world’s greatest civilizations; The Downfall and end, Part 1.

Al Andalus III: One of the world’s greatest civilizations; The Downfall and end, Part 2.

Córdoba, Spain

I. Abd al Rahman “the victorious “ aftermath.

The mistake of his life:

Hakam II was a great ruler, as we said before, even though he lived in the shadows of his father. Busy with reading, studying and discussing sciences and new inventions he married very late. He was over 40 years old when he finally became father for the first time, father to twins. His two sons were called Abd al Rahman and Hisham. The first born died prematurely, left was only Hisham the youngest one.

When Hisham was 12 years old Al Hakam II got paralized. In spite of being a good ruler until now Al Hakam II made the mistake of his life, a mistake that came to change the country forever. Ill and weak he had to plan for the future, better said the time after his death. He decided to put up a three people strong interim government.

These people were; 1 The prime minister: Jafar ibn Othman al Mushafi. 2 The minister of interior : Muhammad ibn abi Amer. 3 Subh. (The mother of Hisham). Muhammad ibn abi Amer was desperate for power and with Al Hakam II taking his last breath, the minister of interior started making plans. For to gain power he had to get rid of the other two interims. He started with jailing the Prime minister and when the time was right , he killed him. Subh, the mother of Hisham was easier to handle, some threats and persuasions and she was no longer a threat.

Al Mansour

Muhammad ibn abi Amer, later known as al Mansour was, to explain his personality in a simple way, contradictory! He became the most feared person in the history of al Andalus. By now he had got rid of the other two joint rulers on the list, his plan continued.

He started to rule as the only supervisor to Hisham II.Muhammad ibn abi Amer married the daughter of the general of the army in al Andalus, after using him , he later killed his father in law as well. Partly because his father in law discovered his plans. Again in need of military support this time he turned to the general of the arm stationed in Morocco, Jafar ibn Ali Hamdun, he was killed as well after being used by abi Amer.In his stead he put someone loyal to him. Just as he did with his two prior victims.

With time he succeeded at convincing Hisham that there was a conspiracy going on and to protect Hisham he needed full authority, which he got.He declared himself “Interim al Mansour”(the victorious interim). As time passed Hisham grew but he still didn’t get to rule the country.

Córdoba, Spain

The real face of al Mansour:

Al Mansour fought a total of 54 battles with the Christians northern provinces and he won all of them. To better understand his contradictory personality we have chosen two real stories. The first one is that he was told there were three Muslim women kept hostages by the Christians in León. The Christians denied the accusations and said they knew nothing of the existence of such women. The Christians blocked the.way he passed and entered the city, looked for the women in a nearby monastery but never found them. Infuriated he killed anyone who crossed his path and confiscated their possessions amidst the Christians insisting on innocence. The post war declaration with Abd al Rahman the victorious ordered the Christians to pay gisia and forbid them to harm any Muslim in their country.

The second story is about when al Mansour was extending the mosque of Córdoba to double its size. To complete the construction it was essential to purchase the surrounding buildings. During the process of purchase they came across a woman who owned a house with a garden included. In the garden grew a special palm tree, she insisted not to move unless they provided her with another house with an exact same palm tree in its garden. Al Mansour searched and found such a house with an exact same palm tree; the only problem was that the house cost five times the price of the lady’s original house. Al Mansour paid from his own money without any problems. Here we have al Mansours contradictory personality in an eggshell. Cruel and ruthless yet kind and generous.

The people of al Andalus were not particularly hostile to him. As a ruler he was fair, there was no injustice in al Andalus and there were no poor people, not yet.

By constantly terrorising Hisham about conspiracies and threatening him,al Mansour finally got his way. After years of menaces Hisham gave after and al Mansours position became inhederatory in favour of his children. By now he called himself The generous King. When he died in 1002 A.C. His position was automatically handed down to his son Abd al Malik Mansour.

The Anarchy:

After the rule of al Mansour the country fell into a complete anarchy, a total lawlessness. A disorder that lasted a very long time. During this period al Andalus was divided into 7 different pieces, every piece was a country of its own, with its independent government, police system, military and so on.

The upcoming 400 years of Andalusian history was dominated by conspiracies, killing, treason and a constant change of rulers. This ongoing disarray gradually weakened the country. At the same time the Christian northern provinces, being aware of the situation, united either by marriage like Castilla and León or by mutual agreements or interests. Little by little they grew stronger. We have chosen not to tell this period of the history of al Andalus in a detailed manner, as it would first of all be too time consuming and prolong the article unnecessary. Secondly because this time period in history is extremely confusing, complicated and complex. Instead of following 7 countries parallely, we have chosen to tell the story of one of these countries, Granada and the Nasaries.

Madinat al Zahra