TheAlcázar of Segovia, which dates back to the early 12th century, is one of the most famous medieval castles in the world and one of the most visited monuments in SpainA view of thePatio de las doncellas, aṣaḥn within theAlcázar of Seville[1]
Analcázar, from Arabical-Qasr, is a type of Islamiccastle orpalace in Spain built duringMuslim rule between the 8th and 15th centuries. They functioned as homes and regional capitals for governmental figures throughout theUmayyad caliphate and later for Christian rulers following the IberianReconquista. The term alcázar is also used for many medieval castles built by Christians on earlier Roman,Visigothic or Islamic fortifications and is frequently used as a synonym forcastillo or castle. In Latin America there are also several colonial palaces calledalcázars.
TheSpanish wordalcázar (pronounced[alˈkaθaɾ]) derives from theArabic wordالقصرal-qaṣr 'the fort/castle/palace', that in turn derives from theLatin wordcastrum ('fortress', 'military camp').
Spain also has Muslim citadels known asalcazabas (القصبةal-qaṣbah). However, not all castles in Spain are calledalcázars: the majority are calledcastillo in Spanish orcastell in Catalan.[2] Nor was everyalcázar oralcazaba in Iberia built by the Muslims: many castles with these names were built after the Islamic caliphate was expelled from theIberian Peninsula. Following the SpanishReconquista, Christian patrons built or refurbished palaces to resemble the Islamic style, known asmudéjar.[3]
Often,alcázars are described as "Moorish", a term used by Europeans to refer to followers of the Islamic faith. While "Moors" has been used for centuries to reference Spanish Muslims, today however, the discussion of "Moorishness" is often approached with care. The term has been radicalized historically in Spain to signify theOther andexoticize the Muslim population.[4] Modern language utilizes the terms Islamic, Muslim, and Andalusi instead of Moorish, but it is worth clarifying the historical context.
Alcázars were owned by Islamic, and later, Christian rulers ofal-Andalus, the buildings symbolized the ruler's power and wealth over the region. Over time, the different cultural influences of the buildings merged, marking thealcázar as a transmission among Islamic, Christian and Jewish cultures.[5]
Alcázars first became constructed under theUmayyad dynasty. It was after conquering theVisigothic Kingdom when the Umayyads began expanding on their architecture to create a sophisticated Islamic empire.[5] After the 717 conquest, Umayyadcaliphs established their capital in Córdoba, Spain, transforming the former Visigoth palace into theAlcázar of the Caliphs.[6]
The reign of the Umayyad dynasty in Arabia ended with the rise of theAbbasid caliphate in the second half of the eighth century. Umayyad caliphAbd al-Rahman I fled the Middle East, traveling west for five years before finally settling in what would become known as al-Andalus after theIslamic conquest of Iberia in 711. He and his descendants built palaces equivalent to grand cities that became homes to rulers and Andalusian elites.[7]
Madinat al-Zahra was designed by Umayyad caliphAbd al-Rahman III and constructed with supervision from his son,Al-Hakam II.[8] It was the first Umayyad palace-city located in Spain following the dynasty's flee from the Abbasids in Iraq. Founded in 936 CE, the palace-city rivaled its counterparts in Baghdad.[9]
Not long after the Islamic Empire reached thePyrenees Mountains in the 8th century, Christian forces began their reconquest of Spain. Starting with the capture of Barcelona in 801 and ending with Granada in 1492, Christian rulers began the 700-year long transition from an Islamic to a Christian Spain.[10] Many of the Islamic-styled architecture constructed by Arabic rulers became denatured under Christian rule.[11]
After the capture of Córdoba in 1236,Ferdinand III expanded on his campaign of devastation, reaching Seville a few years later. Thesiege of Seville lasted sixteen months and ended when Christian forces isolated the Muslims by land and sea, forcing them to surrender. Islamic Seville capitulated on November 23, 1248, with Castilian troops occupying theAlcázar of Seville immediately.
The Christian king ofCastile and León,King Pedro I, began commissioningMudéjar craftsmen to build upon the alcázars all over Andalusia. The most notable additions can be seen in the Alcázar of Seville, where the decorative Islamic style was continued, featuring Arabic inscriptions in praise of King "Sultan" Don Pedro and Allah.[10]
TheNasrids were the last ruling Islamic dynasty in Iberia before falling to theReconquista in 1492. They are known for maintaining a Muslim stronghold in southern Spain for many years despite the impending Spanish monarchy to the north.[12] Arguably their greatest architectural accomplishment is theAlhambra located in Granada.
The Alhambra, translated to 'the red one' in English, is a large fortified palace-city built by the Nasrid dynasty to function as a royal residence. It is well known for its use of Islamic aesthetics in the architecture, along with religious inscriptions.[2] The Alhambra contains several palaces and gardens from which Nasridsultans conducted business and went about their daily lives.
While a majority of the Muslim population was forced out of Spain following the Reconquista, some Mudéjars remained, continuing to build hybrid monuments for Christian patrons throughout the 16th century.[10]
In the years following the Christian reconquest of Spain, the Alhambra underwent many changes in European styles and endured some neglect.[11] Since 1828, there has been a consistent effort to restore and conserve Islamic structures like the Alhambra in Spain.[11]
The construction that definesalcázars is the distinctive Iberian practices that can be found in the architectural design.[13] This technique is coined as beingMudéjar in style due to the presence ofMorisco and Mudéjar craftsmen throughout both Muslim and Christian rule that had largely contributed to, and had a lasting influence on, the construction of buildings.[14] Features of thealcázars reflected Islamic influence with their geometric design and the inward-looking style emphasizing seclusion and privacy for the occupant.[11]Alcázars of the Iberian Peninsula usually consisted of a complex system of buildings with multiple palaces, halls, and courtyards, all serving a specific function.[15]
Gardens played a vital role in the settlement of Islamic Spain, providing a space of relaxation, economic benefits, and the illusion of paradise to its beholder.[16]Alcázar courtyards housed some of the most grandiose gardens in the region, reflecting the wealth of its ruler. The influence of the gardens can be seen today as some gardens still remain, having been preserved and admired by the Christian rulers post-Muslim rule.[13]
Inner courtyard gardens was the most common approach ofhorticulture in thealcázars. Gardens would be placed into a system of interconnected courtyards where the buildings completely enclosed the space.[16] The gardens were kept from outside view, following Islamic architectural practices of an inward, plain interior that disguised decorated, private areas; only those fortunate enough could witness the courtyards.[13]
Basic components of thealcázar gardens included: a raised grid formation, an irrigation system with a collecting pool as its distribution point, and formal walkways and pavement. Continued influence of Islamic techniques can be seen in the composition of the gardens that are geometric, symmetrical, and often quadripartite arrangement, known ascharbaghs.[16] A range of shrubs, trees, vegetables and flowers were grown in these gardens. The fruits could be cultivated and marketable while also supplying the garden with a pleasant fragrance and aesthetic beauty. The fruit trees in the gardens of the Alcázar of Seville are reported to have introduced new, "exotic" fruits to Europe such as lemons, oranges, apricots, and peaches.[16]
The irrigation system of theAlhambra; source of spring water used on the gardens
Constant irrigation was necessary to maintain the lush flora of the gardens. Intricate Arabic irrigation designs were incorporated into the courtyards of thealcázars by Muslim rulers to serve multiple purposes. The systems supplied the gardens with a constant flow of fresh water, aesthetically refreshed the space, and had a cooling effect on the courtyard and surrounding buildings.[11] Each irrigation system of thealcázars had unique elements, defining the individuality of the location. These techniques ranged from still pools, flowing channels, and fountains, and were implemented to achieve a visual and architectural link from exterior to interior spaces.[16] Water created a sense of peace and spiritual stability in the gardens.[11]
TheComares Palace of the Alhambra uses a large pool in the center of the courtyard as both a functioning irrigation system and an artistic spectacle.[16] Shrubbery flanked the sides of the pool and therefore had access to water and the pool reflects the twoporticoed sides of the surrounding buildings, providing an interesting illusion to the viewer.
The courtyards in the Alcázar of Seville feature anirrigation tank with flower beds on each side, along with aqueducts dividing deeply sunken flower beds.[16] The flower beds are arranged in a geometric pattern with channels providing water from a central basin.
Since the Umayyad dynasty, displays of monumental inscriptions with religious or civic purpose are commonly seen on the entrances andfaçades of Iberian architecture.[17] In both Muslim-built and ChristianMudéjar palaces in Spain, inscriptions are prevalent in the palace design. One instance is the Alhambra in Granada where Arabic inscriptions are present throughout the palace walls. Some of these inscriptions include excerpts from theQuran, poetry written byIbn al-Khatib andIbn Zamrak, and theNasrid dynasty's motto. A recurring saying throughout is also present, ولا غالب إلا الله or "there is no victor but God."[18]
At the Alcázar of Seville, a mix of Arabic and Spanish inscriptions uplift the bilingual atmosphere of Mudéjar style Spanish architecture. The palaces's patron,Peter of Castile, was a Christian that embraced the Muslims' taste for beauty in the form of the Islamic decoration, including inscriptions in Arabic,alcázar.[3]
Nasrid motto decoratively inscribed in the wall of the Alhambra
Decorative Arabic inscriptions from the Alcázar of Seville
Hybrid inscription on the Alhambra walls; the Arabic Nasrid motto inscribed on the traditionally Europeancoat of arms
Arches—either single or triple, in the form of Romantriumphal arches—in thealcázars of al-Andalus were used to provide formal and symbolic character to the buildings. They are rich in Islamic-inspired decoration and are located strategically; commonly opening up to the main squares or courtyards.[17]
The Alhambra emulates a triumphal arch between the Puerta del Vino (wine gate) and the Puerta de la Justicia (justice gate). It is decorated with various colors and ornamentation that includes astucco of the coat of arms from the Band of the SultanMuhammad V of Granada (1354–1359 and 1362–1391)[17] The arches in the Alhambra serve multiple purposes, one opening into the grant courtyards of the building, and the other providing a view outside to Granada—where the rulers could contemplate the land they controlled.
The Alcázar of Seville features a triumphal arch at the entrance to the Patio de la Montería, opening up to the palace's monumental façade. The triple archway is decorated inheraldic designs, including the badge ofKnights of the Band.[17]
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, also called "the Alcázar of Córdoba", located inCórdoba, Andalusia, is an Islamic palace that became a Christian site after the 13th century Reconquista of Córdoba. The Muslims had expanded a Visigoth fortress into a large compound with gardens and a large library. Thisalcázar was the summer home of KingFerdinand II of Aragon and QueenIsabella I of Castile, and the site of their meeting withChristopher Columbus before his famous voyage to the Americas.
TheAlcázar of the Caliphs of Córdoba was the seat of the government of al-Andalus, and the residence of the emirs and caliphs of Córdoba since the arrival of the Muslims in the 8th century until the Christian conquest of the city, in 1236. It had a total area of 39,000 square metres (420,000 sq ft). Part of its structure survives.
Alcázar of Segovia was first cited in the 12th century, though its foundations date back to Roman times. It is a castle built by the Christian monarchs in the place of an Islamic fort. During the Middle Ages when in theKingdom of Castile, thealcázar ofSegovia was the favorite residence of theCastilian monarchs, and almost each successive king added new parts to the building, transforming the original fortress into a courtier residence and prolonging the construction of the castle until the 16th century, when kingPhilip II added the conical spires and the slate roofs. A fire in 1862 destroyed part of the roofs, but they were restored in the very same style in which they were built 300 years before. In this castle there was the proclamation of Isabella I as Queen of Castile in 1474 starting theWar of the Castilian Succession.
Alcázar of Toledo was formerly used as a Roman palace in the 3rd century and then restored underCharles V.[20] It was then used as a military academy in modern times. TheSiege of the Alcázar in theSpanish Civil War references this castle, which was held by theNationalist colonelJosé Moscardó Ituarte againstRepublican forces. Republican forces captured Moscardó's 24-year-old son Luis, and on 23 July 1936 informed Moscardó that if he did not turn over the alcázar within ten minutes his son would die. When Moscardó did not surrender, Luis was murdered, not immediately but one month later, on 23 August.
TheAlhambra inGranada, a palace and complex fortress. It was the last Muslim stronghold in al-Andalus before it functioned as a royal Christian palace following the Reconquista.[2] Today it serves as one of Spain's most popular tourist sites.
TheCastle of Burgos was originally built by Muslims in Spain but became known as a royal residence commonly used by the kings ofCastile. It lost value after theHabsburg family acquired the palace and following its partial destruction at the hands of French forces in 1813. Citizens attempted to partially restore the palace in the late 20th century, it now hosts a museum where visitors can view remaining portions of the castle grounds.
TheCastle Alcázar of Segorbe, province of Castellón, autonomous community of Valencia, was an enormous complex that for over a thousand years was the residence of lords, dukes and kings.
Outside Spain, inPalermo,Sicily, theCassaro corresponds to thePunic settlement of Zis, on high ground that was refortified by the Arabs and known asal-qaṣr and was further expanded as the site of the later Norman palace.
The colonial palace inSanto Domingo, built for Christopher Columbus's sonDiego in 1509, is called theAlcázar de Colón (Columbus'salcázar).
^Brann, Ross (2013).A Sea of Languages: Rethinking the Arabic Role in Medieval Literary History. University of Toronto Press. pp. 119–34.
^Ruggles, D. Fairchild (2000).The Literature of Al-Andalus. Cambridge University Press. pp. 25–29.ISBN978-0521471596.
^Capilla, Susan Calvo (2014). "The Reuse of Classical Antiquity in the Palace of Madinat al-Zahra and its Role in the Construction of Caliphal Legitimacy".Muqarnas.31:1–33.doi:10.1163/22118993-00311P02.
^abcJeffery, R. Brooks (2003). "From Azulejos to Zaguanes: The Islamic Legacy in the Built Environment of Hispano-America".Journal of the Southwest.45 (1/2):289–327.JSTOR40170260.
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