Cultural and Scientific Legacy of Al-Andalus
Al-Andalus: A Major Cultural Center of the Medieval World
Al-Andalus was one of the major cultural centers of the medieval world. Libraries achieved high importance and had a highly developed science. Teaching was conducted in the mosque’s religious school and was directed to the learning of the Koran. Students were expected to have good writing skills and recite the Qur’an by heart. Those from wealthy families received private instruction at home from a tutor. Students could choose a specific school, usually arithmetic, and grammar in college. In philosophy, the Jewish scholar Maimonides and the Muslim scholar Averroes, both born in Cordoba, were particularly prominent. In literature, Cordoban Ibn Hazm also excelled, with his work “The Ring of the Dove”, a treatise on love considered one of the masterpieces of Arabic-Andalusian literature. It is written in Arabic, a language that was imposed in Al-Andalus. Muslims translated and commented on the scientific texts of antiquity that reached their hands. Medicine acquired a great development. Andalusians who excelled as physicians include Abulcasis, Averroes, and Maimonides.
Advancements in Various Fields
- Agronomy: Treatises from the Hispanic period provided valuable information on crops, citing plant commissioning. One of the most outstanding works is the “Book of Plants”.
- Zoology: “The Wonderful Work of Creation” stands out as a significant contribution.
- Technical Advances: The Hispano people were noted for their great ability to develop techniques. They perfected the art of navigation, improving sails and ships, and used the astrolabe, transmitted by the Arabs, and the rudder to steer boats. They began the manufacture of paper on the peninsula, popularized the fashion of cork-soled shoes, and built snow deposits used as coolers in summer.
Architectural Marvels of Al-Andalus
Architecture experienced great growth in Al-Andalus, greater than sculpture and painting. The architecture of this Hispano stage synthesized with other artistic elements of Islamic art. Its characteristics include the use of Visigoth capitals and columns, the use of horseshoe-lobed arches, alternating voussoirs (wedge-shaped pieces used for the construction of arches) painted in white and red (as seen in the Mosque of Cordoba), and the use of alfiz (molding that frames the arch).
Key Architectural Sites
- Mosque of Cordoba: Supreme work of Muslim architecture of Al-Andalus.
- Medina Azahara: A city-palace near Cordoba, built by Abderraman III around the year 936 and almost destroyed in 1009.
- Mosque of Bib-Mardum: Later turned into the Christian church of the Light of Christ in Toledo.
These constructions are surrounded by gardens, fountains, canals, and ponds. Their characteristics include the use of poor materials (brick, plaster, and wood) that are covered with abundant decoration. They feature pointed horseshoe arches, angrelado (adorned with jagged shapes), and stilted arches. They also use coverings in plaster or wood, such as barrel vaults, groin vaults, and stalactite vaults. Cylindrical shaft columns with a slender, fine appearance are common.
The Alhambra and Other Notable Structures
The most important building of Nazari architecture is the Alhambra in Granada. It is made with a mixture of gravel, sand, clay containing iron, and lime. The clay used gives it that characteristic red color (Alhambra means “red”).
Sections of the Alhambra
- Palace of the Lions: The king’s private residence, where he lived with his family. It is located in the famous courtyard.
- Comares Palace: Where diplomatic receptions were held.
- The Site: An observatory tower.
- Comares Tower: The throne room of the Nazari kings.
- Alcazaba: The oldest campus of the Alhambra, the fortified area.
During the period of the Taifa kingdoms, the Aljaferia Palace was built in Zaragoza. In the stage of Almohad rule, the Tower of Gold and the Seville Mosque were built. The mosque’s minaret, known as the Giralda, is still preserved.