Al-Andalus

Al-Andalus refers to the region of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule between 711 and 1492, known for its cultural, scientific, and architectural prosperity.

Al-Andalus was the name given to the territories of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule between 711, the year of the Umayyad conquest, and 1492, the year of the fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, to the Catholic Monarchs. During this period, Al-Andalus experienced a time of great economic, scientific, and cultural prosperity. Cities such as Cordoba, Seville, and Granada became major centers of knowledge and civilization. Cordoba, in particular, was renowned for its universities, libraries, and schools, attracting scholars from across the Muslim world and beyond.

Andalusian architecture is characterized by the use of arabesque, intricate mosaics, inner courtyards, and lush gardens. Iconic monuments like the Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Alcazar of Seville, and the Alhambra of Granada stand as testaments to this rich historical period. Al-Andalus was also an example of religious coexistence, with Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities living side by side, sharing and exchanging ideas and knowledge.

The end of Al-Andalus in 1492 marks the conclusion of the Reconquista, a period during which the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula gradually reconquered the Muslim territories. The legacy of Al-Andalus continues to influence culture, architecture, and science in Spain and around the world.