-Early Islamic Architecture- -Moorish Architecture-

1. -Early Islamic Architecture--Moorish Architecture- By Julia Morisset

2. Moorish art and architecture developed in the westernmost lands of the Muslims, known as the Maghreb: N Africa and Spain. The apogee of Moorish architecture was reached in the 13th and 14th cent. with the luxurious palace-fortress, the Alhambra, the only large-scale domestic complex preserved from the first thousand years of Islam, and the madrasahs (schools) of Fès, celebrated for their delicately worked lacy wooden carvings. In these centuries when Spain wrested itself from Moorish domination, the Christians nevertheless showed their admiration of the great Islamic edifices and decoration in their development of Mudejar art, work made by and for Christians in the Moorish style. An example is the 14-century alcazar of Seville, whose flat, intricately carved surfaces are typical of Moorish façades. In Moorish sculpture, stone and wood carving were used mainly as architectural ornament. Filigreed, inlaid, and enameled jewelry, as well as textiles and rugs, were produced in Moorish Spain. ( an obvious sign of Moorish Architecture is the arches, and stripped pattern… visible in this example photograph)

3. The Alhambra This impressive military fortification goes back to 9th century, and was modified by Muhammad III, in 13th century, to be his private residence. From the tower, Torre de la Vela, you have a great view over the town. The Palace of Comares, built under Muhammad V, is said to be the masterpiece of the Alhambra and was the king's residence. Its Ambassador's Room is the largest in all the complex. Its ceiling, a wonderful work made of cedar wood, represents the seven heavens of Islamic religion. The dimensions allow to have nine adjoining rooms worked into the walls, which are ornamented with epigraphs from the Koran. The Palace of Muhammad V was the private residence of this Moorish king and is another highlight of the visit. Four great halls enclose the famous "lions' court". The figures of lions that carry the fountain is a curiosity in arabian art, as the figurative representation of animals (as well as humans) is forbidden by the Koran. Remarkable are as well the verses of poet Ibn Zamrak, which explain the function of the palace's very advanced irrigation plants.

4. Alhambra Continued The Hall of the Mozárabes got its name after the Christian architects of the time of the reconquest from the Moors, which were themselves strongly influenced by Moorish style. In the case of this hall, they changed the original cupola for a baroque ceiling. The Hall of the Abencerrajes got its name from an Arabian noble family, who was murdered in here. In the King's Hall we find paintings of the Arabian royal family. For the reasons mentioned above scientists doubt if those paintings are original or were made, after the reconquest, by Christians. The most splendid hall is the Sala de las dos Hermanas, ("hall of the two sisters"). The beautifully worked-out ceilings show verses of Ibn Zamrak and are ornamented with gold and lapislazuli. Finally, we arrive to the Hall of the Ajimences and the Mirador de Daraxa, a view point, the view from which was obstructed lateron by the palace built by Charles V.

5. The Alhambra The is copy of the structural workings of the Alhambra, which is a huge example of Moorish Architecture. The Alhambra (Red Castle), Some say best design work of the 15th century.

6. The Alhambra Continued Those marvelous gardens, bordering on the Alhambra, were made in early 14th century and conserve their original shaping. They inspired many important musicians and authors, among them Washington Irving ("Tales of the Alhambra"). (Base and Garden view of the Alhambra.)

7. Garden life of the Alhambra

8. La "Mezquita" and Courtyard of the Orange Trees British author Gerald Brenan called this impressive Arabian mosque, the third-biggest in the world with an extension of 23.000 square meters, the most beautiful and original building of all Spain. This Mezquita initiated the so-called Califal style, which combined Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, Syrian and Persian elements and was the starting-point of all Arabian-Hispanic architecture of the centuries to come, up to the Mudéjar-style of Arabians living in the Spain reconquered by Christians.

9. Alcazar of the Umaiyads or Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos  The Palace of the Christian Kings, built in 1328 by Alfonso XI, was residence until the reconquest of Granada. Here was kept prisoner the Moorish caliph Boabdil. In the interior of the palace there are remarkable Arabian baths, Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus of of marble from 3rd century. Originally there were four towers at the corners of the Alcazar, three of which can be seen still today: the Torre de Los Leones, the oldest, which forms the entrance to the palace, the octagonal Torre del Homenajeand the round Torre del Rio. The fourth tower, Torre de la Vela, was destroyed in 19th century.

10. The End