History<\/span>\u00a0\u062a\u0627\u0631\u064a\u062e<\/span><\/p>\n The framework of the Alhambra can be historically dated to documents from the ninth century, after Muslims had taken over most of Spain in 711.\u00a0Originally a fortress, it became headquarters for the Nasrid Dynasty-the last Muslim kingdom to rule Spain-in the thirteenth century. It was a high point in Granada, and the royal city of Alhambra was being built during this time period. The placement was chosen at first as a military fortress, as it had a view over the entire city and was at a key offensive and defensive advantage. In 1942, the royal city of Alhambra was conquered by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, marking the end of Islam rule for Southern Europe and Spain.1<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n Plan of the Alhambra<\/a> from Encyclopedia Britannica 1911 (public domain)<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Layout<\/span>\u00a0\u062a\u0635\u0645\u064a\u0645<\/span><\/p>\n View of the Alhambra<\/span> The Alhambra is a walled-off royal city inside of Granada. Originally, it was a fortress called the “Red Fort” (the meaning of al-hamra), although the fort itself does not exist today.2<\/sup> There are many palaces, buildings, fountains, and towers that make up the city and still stand. There are four gates into the Alhambra and three major parts inside the\u00a0Alhambra: The Alcazaba, The Royal Palaces, and The Generalife, each one with respective sub-parts. The oldest part of Alhambra is the palace complex, built by the Nasrids around the thirteenth century. The Generalife, a summer palace, was most likely built around the beginning of Nasrid rule as well. Around the beginning of the fourteenth century, Muhammad III built the Medina, or the center of the city. During the European Renaissance in the sixteenth century, the Palace of Charles V was erected, and in 1576 the Friday Mosque was replaced with a church. There are a few prayer rooms: a small one in the Sala de la Barca-the sultan’s sitting room and bedroom, a larger one in the Mexuar that overlooks countryside, and a small one in a pavillion in the Partal gardens for the sultan.<\/span><\/p>\n Royal Palaces<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Comares Tower<\/span> Palace of the Lions<\/span> Generalife<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Generalife<\/span> Alcazaba<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Alcazaba<\/span> Art\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u0641\u0646<\/span><\/p>\n Tiling in the Alhambra<\/span> The architecture and art of the Alhambra is very unique and intricate. The architectural goal was to cover every Intricate Pillar in the Sala del Mexuar<\/span> Water<\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u0645\u0627\u0621<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Water: A Means of Life<\/span> Water was a very important integration into the Alhambra’s decoration but was also important in sustaining life in the city. Water was brought by irrigation and many different water ways to the Alhambra to provide water for drinking, crops, and the fountains that can be seen throughout the premises. The Sultan’s Canal brings water to the Generalife from the Darro River, which is then transported by aqueduct to the city.3<\/sup>As an Islamic palace, there were also baths used for washing. They are not as decorative as other areas but one does have a fountain and tile work. One of the most famous places of the Alhambra is the fountain on the Patio of the Lions. The water provided a soothing sight and the fountains provided a calming sound as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Legends of the Alhambra<\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u0623\u0633\u0627\u0637\u064a\u0631 \u0645\u0646 \u0642\u0635\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u0645\u0631\u0627\u0621<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Alhambra is primarily used today as a tourist attraction, allowing visitors a sight into its authentic past. The importance of religion and water to the Alhambra are still evident today. From its roots in a time of war to a time of glory, the majestic aura of the Alhambra cannot be mistaken. This mystical ambiance could not even be destroyed through restoration and reconstruction due to improper care over centuries. While the outside appears common and plain, the inside is riddled with mystery through its implementation of art, architecture, and water. It is a site to remember and celebrates Muslim and Moorish history while also offering a breathtaking view.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Alhambra at Night![\"\"](\"http:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/5\/52\/Plan_of_Alhambra.jpg\/785px-Plan_of_Alhambra.jpg\")
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by Bernjan<\/a>, used under ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/i.creativecommons.org\/l\/by\/3.0\/80x15.png\")
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by JunCTionS<\/a>, used under <\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n
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by Gyrus<\/a>, used under ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/i.creativecommons.org\/l\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/80x15.png\")
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\nthe private chambers of the royal family. Nasrid art achieved its\u00a0<\/span>greatest degree of magnificence in this palace.3<\/sup><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n
![\"generalife\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/files\/2013\/11\/generalife-225x300.jpg\")
by Antonio Cantero <\/a>, used under <\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n
\n<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n![\"alcazaba\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/files\/2013\/11\/alcazaba1-300x220.jpg\")
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by Roberto Chamoso G<\/a>, used under ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/i.creativecommons.org\/l\/by-sa\/3.0\/80x15.png\")
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by D. M. Harvey<\/a>, used under <\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n
\nspace with decoration and is one of the best examples of Islamic art and culture that exists today. While buildings were added over many centuries, much of the art and decoration can be traced back to the time of Muhammed V. Throughout the premises, art can be found in the form of lighting, woodworkd, color, stucco panels,inscriptions, carvings, gardens, fountains, animal representations, wall hangings carpets, arches and pillars. Water is also a key artistic concept which is found as fountains, stone troughs, or small basins known as alberca. During construction, the Nasrids often arranged buildings to surround an inner courtyard with a water source at the middle. Mosaic tiles were also a popular artistic addition to many of the walls of the Alhambra. A main goal of the artistic design and architecture was to enhance every sense of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Sala](\"http:\/\/blogs.butler.edu\/ghsislam13\/files\/2013\/11\/Sala-del-Mexuar1-300x225.jpg\")
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by Michael Clarke<\/a>, used under <\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n
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by DavidInc<\/a>, used under ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/i.creativecommons.org\/l\/by-nc\/3.0\/80x15.png\")
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\n<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Alhambra_extrior_view_at_night.jpg\/1280px-Alhambra_extrior_view_at_night.jpg\")
by Unknown<\/a>, used under <\/a><\/p><\/div>\n
![Bernjan<\/a>, used under](\"http:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Vista_de_la_Alhambra.jpg\"){kind=link}
![JunCTionS<\/a>, used under](\"http:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Patio-de-los-Arrayanes-De-Noche-2.jpg\"){kind=link}
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![D. M. Harvey<\/a>, used under](\"http:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Alhambra-p3-wall.jpg\"){kind=link}
![Michael Clarke<\/a>, used under](\"http:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Alhambra_wall_15_(7005672681).jpg\"){kind=link}
![Unknown<\/a>, used under](\"http:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Spain_granada_alhambra_at_night.jpg\"){kind=link}