La Alhambra is one of the most magnificent structures ever built. It is a testimony to Man's ability to erect grand edifices that outlive their original purposes, but continue to live on in other ways.
Some history is needful here. We remember 1492 as the year Columbus sailed the ocean blue. That is a significant date here as well, but Columbus is more of an afterthought in Spain. The most important events in that time period for Spain were the unification of the country and the completion of La Reconquista.
King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castille joined forces, in marriage and in war. They fought against the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, which was Granada. (I am using the historical term, Moors, even though that is not a favorable term today. The proper term would be Muslims, but much of the historical notes about Spain use Moors.) When Granada finally fell, Emir Boabdil, supposedly bowed to kiss the boot of his conqueror, who was on horseback. The general dismounted and gave the Emir a hug instead.
Under Islamic rule, Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in peace for 800 years in Granada. They were neighbors and friends. The Spanish monarchs respected the Muslim monarchs and vice versa. That respect had eroded somewhat over the last century and culminated with the expulsion or forced conversion of all Muslims and Jews, on penalty of death. This began the Spanish Inquisition.
Granada was a Moorish stronghold for so long, principally because of La Alhambra. This mighty fortress complex resides over Granada. It is imposing today. I cannot imagine what it must have been like in the Middle Ages. It is beautiful now, smoldering quietly into ruins. One millennium, more or less, makes quite a difference.
The whole complex is too big to see in one day. We only visited one part, mostly living quarters. The Muslims were known for creating lavish designs and decorating with elaborate geometric patterns. Many inscriptions adorn the palace walls. One said something to the effect, "I am the king. I was put here by God. He is the only ruler over me. I give him the glory. Now look at my clothes. They are so fine, it is obvious that I am the king." Who wouldn't serve a dude like that? Some of the sayings reminded me of Song of Solomon in the Bible. Back in the day, I am sure Solomon was being really sexy, but now his words are just funny:
"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks. Thy neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies." (Song of Solomon 4:1-5)
I just tried to tell Susan her hair was like an old goat, her teeth looked like freshly washed sheep and she was built like a fortress. She evidently had not studied her Bible enough to know this was a high compliment. Please pray for her to get into the Word.
Truly, though, the Muslim kings outdid themselves at La Alhambra. They planted gardens and built fountains in every corner. Evidently there are 17 different classifications for wallpaper, and La Alhambra has all of them. It is a masterpiece. One interesting thing was the fact that the complex changed hands a few times between Christian and Muslim rulers. They each added their own little piece to the puzzle. The Muslims used lavish decorations as a means of giving glory to God, but they would not use any images, because that represented a graven image or idol, which was forbidden. The Christians used more understated architectural features, preferring to appear humble before God, and incorporated figures of humans and animals to reflect God's creation and act as a pictorial explanation of Biblical events. Katherine thought it looked boring. She, and everybody else, liked the Muslim features better. It was interesting to me that both parties were trying to honor God, but that the means of doing so were in direct conflict with each other.
I asked Katherine what she thought of Muslims before she visited La Alhambra. She said they were just a bunch of crazy people that blew themselves up. Then after her experience in Granada? They were really smart and knew how to build beautiful things.
Katherine was fascinated by the architecture. She took about 1,000 pictures. I loved the history. Susan was entranced by the grounds, fountains and flora. We all came away with a better understanding and appreciation of another culture. La Alhambra was originally built as a fortress to keep the bad guys out and to provide enjoyment to the good guys. Those roles reversed several times throughout history. Now it is an ambassador of goodwill to all people who come inside its storied walls.
It was a great day.
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