Adele Fuqua

The Alhambra was constructed by the Moorish Rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The palace was built as a royal residence for the sultans.

The Alhambra is a large, ancient palace and also a fortress (military) complex. The word Alhambra means “The Red One” or “The Red Castle” The Alcazaba (the fortress) is located on the west side and is one of the many different buildings making up the Alhambra.

What makes the Alhambra so wondrous to some people is the fact that it is located on a hill overlooking it’s city. The city in which it is located is Granada, Spain. Specifically, the Palace is located at the south- eastern part of the city.

The middle of the thirteenth century is when the Alhambra was built, after the Nasrid Moorish kingdom had been established. Through the next couple centuries, the Palace had more added to it.

Because of the fact that the Alhambra was used as both a military fortress and a residence, there are two reasons why it was built. It was a fortress to defend against the Christians who had recaptured Cordoba, which was the capital of the Western Islamic empire known as El Andalus. It’s other use was to be a residence to Muslim kings and royalty.

In the 13 th century, Sultan Ibn Al-Ahmar came to Granada and caught interest in what were the ruins of the soon to be Alhambra. Sultan moved his court to the buildings making up what was becoming Alhambra. Very simple, yet elegant materials were used to build the Alhambra. The reddish color of the clay gave it’s name “The Red On.” Other materials used where masonry, clay bricks and pebbles.

The type of architecture in the Alhambra is called Moorish architecture. Moorish architecture is mainly consistent of columns, domes, repetitive decorative patterns, piers, and arches. The Alhambra really launched off Moorish architecture in Spain.

The Gate of Justice- Built in 1348, also known as Gate of the Esplanade, it stands out more than the other gates for it’s fantastic silhouette. The Court of Alberca- Where the great fish pool is located. Court of Loins- The main court in the center of the Alhambra. Know for it’s fountain. The Hall of Ambassadors- Used as a throne room, a very rich apartment in the Alhambra. The Court of Myrtles- A gorgeous patio named for it’s hedges of myrtle surrounding the center pond. The Alcazaba- A building located on the west side of the Alhambra used as a fortress for military of the Nastrid Dynasty.

In the 13 th century, Sultan Ibn Al-Ahmar took the name Muhamed and founded the Nastrid Dynasty. He spotted the ruins of the Alhambra and moved his court into it’s buildings. The Palace was later inhabited by the Moors. The Alhambra became a fortress for military forces of the Nastrid Dynasty. Years later the Moors were expelled by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The gardens and the architecture were what was most valued in the palace.

Today in Granada, the Alhambra is a popularly visited tourist attraction. The main valued reason is due to the fact that the Alhambra is one of the only places left that resembles the Moorish architecture and Muslim culture. The Alhambra is visited for it’s phenomenal art and it’s lovely gardens.

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Works Cited Continued "Moorish architecture in the Nastrid Palaces at the Alhambra, Granada." Fine Art America.. "Spanish motorbike tour specialist." Motorbike tour.. "The Alhambra Palace, Granada." spanish-living.com "The Alhambra Palace." Cheap weekend breaks "The Alhambra, Granada, Spain." The New 7 Wonders of the World.. "The Alhambra." Howstuffworks "The Moors." Suite101.com.. "Why Is The Alhambra In Spain Important?." eNotes.. tripadvisor