El AlhambraBy: Emily Langford

Who created the Alhambra?

• The Alhambra was a palace built under the rule of the Nasrid dynasty. The Nasrid dynasty was the last Arab and Muslim dynasty of Spain. The Nasrid dynasty controlled Spain from 1238 to 1492 and had 23 different emirs during their reign. An emir is like a prince or general.

family tree of the Nasrid dynasty and years reigned

What is the Alhambra?

• The Alhambra is a palace constructed for the emirs of the Nasrid dynasty. The palaces’ name means “the red castle” in Arabic because of the color of the building itself.

The Alhambra

Where is the Alhambra?

• The Alhambra palace is in the autonomous community of Andalucia, Spain, west of Granada. It is built on a hill over-looking the city of Granada, Spain.

Map of Andalucia,

Spain

When was the Alhambra constructed?

• The founder of the Nasrid dynasty, Ibn Nasr, built the Alhambra, as we know it today in 1238. The Generalife gardens and palaces began construction around 1302. The Nasrid palaces themselves began construction in 1362 and were finished in 1391.

, part of the Generalife gardens

Why was the Alhambra built?

• The Alhambra was built as a palace for the emirs of the Nasrid dynasty who controlled Spain for 260 years. When their reign ended in 1492, the palace was used as a Christian court after Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel conquered the city of Granada.

the emblem of the Arab kingdom of Granada

How was the Alhambra built?

• The Alhambra was built from bricks made of gravel and clay that made the building a reddish color. It was built on top of Sabikah hill with a view of the city of Granada.

view of the Alhambra and Sabikah hill

What is the Alhambra's past?

• It is suggested that the royal Nasrids were not the first to construct on Sabikah hill. The castle of the Alhambra was added in the 9th century and became a military fortress because it had a view of the whole city. When the first king of the Nasrid dynasty came, Mohammed ben Al-Hamar, the Alhambra was now occupied by royalty. Many additions were made to the Alhambra among the 260 years the kings of the Nasrid dynasty occupied it. When ferdinand and Isabella captured the city of Granada, they lived in the castle for a while. Then, in 1812 when Napoleon’s forces occupied it, much of it was damaged.

The city Granada from Alhambra

What is the Alhambra like today?

• Today, visitors from all over can come and tour the Alhambra. There are many paintings, murals, gardens, fountains, towers, and intricate ceilings. Restoration is being done to uncover the Moorish architecture.

ticket to the Alhambra and Generalife

gardens

How did the Alhambra shape life in Spain?

• The Alhambra shaped life in Spain by being the last stronghold the Moors [Islam people] had on Spain until Ferdinand and Isabella expelled the Moors in 1492. The art and architecture is a wonder and many people are amazed by its brilliance.

The Alhambra

What kind of art is in the Alhambra?

• The art in the Alhambra has a reoccuring theme of poetry and religious quotes. Geometric designs are prominent and create an effect of never-ending repetition which is believed to represent the infinite nature of God. Stars are also common because they are equal in all directions and that shows equality.

walls of the Alhambra

Works Cited• http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/holiday-hotel-deals/andalucia/andalucia-hotels.html

• http://mycolormusic.com/2010/01/12/mosaic-patterns/

• http://www.red2000.com/spain/granada/alhambra.html

• http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/alhambra-palace/history.htm

• http://www.inspiringcities.org/index.php?id=1&page_type=Article&id_article=18217

• http://members.fortunecity.com/jonhays/alhambra.htm

• http://www.ststours.ca/madrid_seville.html

• http://factoidz.com/a-walk-through-the-alhambra-of-grenada/

Works Cited (cont’d)• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NasridDynasty.png

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arab_kingdom_of_Granada_emblem_interpretation.svg

• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/exploring-the-alhambra-in-granada.html

• http://www.funci.org/en/2007/articles/alhambra-among-the-7-wonders/

• http://www.hostelbloggers.com/category/travel-lowdown/travel-tips-travel-lowdown/

• http://www.happytellus.com/gallery.php?img_id=5183

• http://asroll.wordpress.com/category/travel/out-of-malaysia/page/2/

• http://digitool.rpi.edu:8881/R/CCTL733U6RBXRD541L5V5CT4BNMCX3691G2BF3U2SYD1BFFMF5-01964?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=22124&local_base=GEN01&pds_handle=GUEST