Islamic Landmarks
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex strategically located on a hilltop overlooking Granada, in the Andalusia region of Spain. The name Alhambra translates to ‘The Red Castle’. It has become one of the most iconic well preserved monuments of Islamic architecture in Spain.
- The Alhambra Palace was built on the Sabika Hill, where other fortresses and palaces existed before. The location provides a strategic view of the city of Granada.
- The palace was initially built in 889 CE, but it was restored and remodelled in the 13th century by Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, the creator of the Nasrid dynasty of the Emirate of Granada. During the Nasrid period, Alhambra became a self-contained Muslim royal city and citadel with six major palaces and two towers. Containing all the amenities required to function as a city or medina including a water system, houses, roads, mosque and hammam.
- From the mid-13th century onward the Alhambra Palace was expanded and embellished to its current grandeur over the course of the next century and a half. These improvements included the famous Patio of the Lions, the Baths and extension of some of the towers. The aim of the architectural detailing was to resemble paradise on earth.
- The palace was neglected for centuries until it was rediscovered by European explorers and work began to restore it to its glorious past.
- Video on the history of the Alhambra by Hikma History
Reference: Hikma History, Wikipedia
