Al-Andalus and the Islamic West

Al-Andalus Overview

Definition: Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula, corresponding to modern Spain, Portugal, and parts of France.
Historical Span: 711-1492. The term is used to denote various Islamic states that ruled during this period.
Greatest Extent: Most of the Iberian Peninsula and part of southern France under Umayyad rule.

Initial Invasion (711): Led by Muslim forces, beginning with General Tariq bin Ziyad's army of 7,000 troops, defeating the Visigoth ruler Roderick.
Rapid Conquest: By 720, most of the peninsular territory was under Muslim control, with little opposition.
Abd al-Rahman I (755): An exiled Umayyad prince who established a foothold in Spain and conquered Málaga, Seville, and Córdoba, eventually controlling all of Iberia.

Dependent Emirate (711-756)
Independent Emirate (756-929)
Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba (929-1031)
Almoravid Caliphate (1031-1145)
Almohad Caliphate (around 1151-1212)
Nasrid Emirate/Kingdom of Granada (1238-1492)

Umayyad Caliphate: Considered the golden age of Al-Andalus; Córdoba became the largest city in Europe, surpassing Constantinople.
Centers of Knowledge: Arts, science, music, literature, philosophy flourished; significant figures included Abulcasis and Averroes.
Translation Movements: Following the reconquest of Toledo, translation efforts such as the Toledo School of Translators bridged Arabic and Latin texts, influencing the European Renaissance.

Moorish Art: Includes both traditional Islamic styles and Mudéjar style, which involves Islamic craftsmanship for Christian patrons.
Key Terms: "Moor" refers to Muslim populations historically in Al-Andalus and North African regions.

Alhambra: A palace of the Nasrid rulers, known for its intricate designs and as a symbol of luxury.
Great Mosque of Córdoba: An architectural marvel built originally in 786, featuring extensive pillars and breathtaking interior designs.

Timeline: Initiated almost immediately after the Muslim conquest, with key cities like Toledo (1085) and Córdoba (1236) falling to Christian forces.
Final Stages: The last Muslim stronghold, Granada, fell in 1492, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain and leading to the expulsion of Jews and Muslims by the Catholic Monarchs.

Alcazaba: Urban walled enclosures for defense, often housing military garrisons and containing a mosque.
Alcázar: Fortified castles or palaces serving as residences for Muslim rulers, many transformed by Christian kings after conquest.

Construction: Originally built in 784-786; a unique blend of Islamic and later Christian architectural styles.
Interior design: Features a vast hypostyle hall with stunning horseshoe arches and an intricately decorated mihrab.

Palace Complex: Built during the Nasrid period; noted for its architectural beauty and gardens, serving as a foremost example of Islamic art.

Royal Alcázars of Seville: A royal palace exhibiting Mudéjar style, with elements from various architectural periods.
Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh: The largest mosque in Marrakesh, symbolizing Almohad architectural design, noteworthy for its significant height and intricate details.

Al-Andalus represents a crucial phase in Islamic history in the Iberian Peninsula, renowned for its cultural achievements, intellectual movements, and architectural innovations, culminating in significant influences on European history and architecture.