The Alhambra

The Alhambra of Granada is one of the very few Islamic palaces to have survived almost intact since medieval times. Founded as a small fortress in the year 897, it was expanded to its present beauty in the 14th century by the Nasrid rulers of the Kingdom of Granada. After the conquest of Granada by Isabel and Fernando in 1492 (see pages 14–17), the Spanish monarchy championed its preservation for two centuries. A period of abandonment followed. In the 19th century, it was rediscovered after artists and travelers from across the world began to visit it. The most famous, an American writer named Washington Irving, even took residence within its crumbling walls. He wrote, “Such is the Alhambra…an elegant memento [reminder] of a brave, intelligent, and graceful people who conquered, ruled, and passed away.” In recent times, the Alhambra has been restored, excavated, and studied in detail. Today, it is the most visited historical site in Spain.

- Maria Judith Feliciano

A Palace City

The earliest surviving descriptions of the Alhambra call it a fortress (hisn or ma’qid in Arabic) and a castle or palace (qa’lat al-hamra’— Arabic for “Red Castle” after the red color of its brick). Built atop Sabika Hill, one of the highest points in Granada, its first purpose was military. This function did not change until 1238, when it became the royal residence of the first Nasrid king, Muhammad Ibn Nasr. Curiously, the king’s nickname was Ibn Al-AhmAr, or “Son of the Red- Haired One.” Thus, the color of the “Red Fortress” of the Alhambra came to share a name with the new king.

The most important changes to the Alhambra came in the 14th century during the reigns of the Nasrid kings Muhammad III, Yusuf I, and Muhammad V. These included gardens, palaces, new military installations, a mosque, a school, look-out points, and many new fortified areas. These are the structures that survive today.

Thus, the Alhambra was much more a palace city than a palace. In addition to the ever expanding military and royal structures, the Alhambra had its own court of law, government halls, cemetery, military barracks, stables, workshops, and school for the royal children, in addition to kitchens, bathrooms, bakeries, and everything else needed to run a government, an army, and a royal household. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people worked on site daily.

Perfection!