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NASRID ARCHITECTURE - Coggle Diagram
NASRID ARCHITECTURE
What
Geography
Economic Advantages
Access to Trade Routes: Granada was well-positioned along key trade routes that connected the Mediterranean to the interior of the Iberian Peninsula. This allowed for the flourishing of commerce and the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture.
Agricultural Fertility: The region's fertile plains supported diverse agriculture, including the cultivation of olives, fruits, and grains. The sophisticated irrigation systems (acequias) developed by the Nasrids further enhanced agricultural productivity.
Strategic location
Defensible Terrain: "Granada is situated in a mountainous region, with the Alhambra perched on a high plateau. This provided natural fortifications, making it easier to defend against invasions. The rugged terrain offered numerous vantage points to monitor and repel attackers" (Irwin, 2004, pp. 12-15).
the advantage of rugged terrain
Natural Fortification: The uneven and elevated land acts as a natural defense, making it hard for invaders to attack.
Observation Points: High spots allow defenders to see and monitor approaching threats from afar.
Restricted Access: The difficult terrain limits and controls enemy movement, making it easier to defend.
The strategic location of the Alhambra on Sabika Hill in Granada played a crucial role in the dynasty's geographical setting. (pg. 9 Nurul Shahirah, Alwi Alatas, 2022)
Proximity to the Sierra Nevada: "The nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range provided a reliable source of water from melting snow, essential for the complex irrigation systems that supported agriculture and the lush gardens of the Alhambra" (Irwin, 2004, pp. 42-44).
The landscape featured rural sites close to paths, water sources, and mountain slopes, with settlements reflecting a variety of functions like defensive enclaves, productive points, and infrastructural hubs.
The Segura valley, for example, had settlements with vestiges like towers, castles, bridges, and dams, indicating a rich history of colonization and diverse scales of settlements within a limited area (pg.2 Santiago Quesada, 2022)
Political and Diplomatic Position
Granada acted as a buffer between the Christian kingdoms to the north and the Muslim territories to the south and east.This location helped the Nasrid rulers make agreements and partnerships to keep their independence.
Access to the Mediterranean: Although Granada itself is inland, its territory extended close to the Mediterranean coast. This proximity allowed the Nasrids to engage in maritime trade and maintain naval capabilities.
People
The Nasrid dynasty began with Muhammad I's reign in Granada, focusing on fortifying the Alhambra to guard against Christian threats (pg. 6, Nurul Shahirah, Alwi Alatas, 2022)
Yusuf I (r. 1333-1354): Known for major expansions and renovations of the Alhambra, including the construction of the Comares Palace and Hall of the Ambassadors.
Muhammad V (r. 1354-1359, 1362-1391): Completed the Palace of the Lions at the Alhambra, considered a masterpiece of Nasrid architecture.
Ismail I (r. 1314-1325): Initiated significant construction projects at the Alhambra, laying the groundwork for future palatial buildings.
Boabdil (Abu Abdullah Muhammad XII, r. 1482-1492): The last Nasrid ruler who surrendered Granada to the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492, marking the end of Nasrid rule and the Reconquista.
TIMELINE
711 CE: Muslim conquest of al-Andalus by Tariq ibn Ziyad begins Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula.
11th Century (Late): Reconquista begins with Christian efforts to reclaim Iberian territories, starting with the fall of Toledo.
1232: Muhammad I ibn al-Ahmar establishes the Nasrid dynasty in Granada, founding the Emirate of Granada.
1238-1273: Muhammad I moves the Nasrid capital to Granada and initiates construction of the Alhambra as the emirate's citadel.
1246: Treaty of Jaén is signed between Muhammad I and Ferdinand III of Castile, temporarily securing Granada against Castilian expansion.
13th Century: Initial construction of the Alhambra begins under Muhammad I, including the Alcazaba (citadel) and early palaces.
Early 14th Century: Ismail I starts significant construction at the Alhambra, setting the stage for future palatial buildings.
1333-1354: Yusuf I and Muhammad V oversee major expansions of the Alhambra, constructing the Comares Palace and Hall of the Ambassadors.
1362-1391: Muhammad V completes the iconic Palace of the Lions, featuring the famous Lion Court, a masterpiece of Nasrid architecture.
Late 14th Century: Ongoing additions and enhancements to the Alhambra continue under later Nasrid rulers.
1492: Granada falls to Ferdinand and Isabella, marking the end of the Nasrid dynasty and the completion of the Reconquista. The Alhambra is converted into a Christian court with significant modifications.
Economy
Agriculture
famous crops included pomegranates, as Granada was known for its abundance of pomegranate orchards, leading to the city being named after the fruit. (pg. 2, 2009 Azraai et al.)
Granada had a mixed agricultural economy including the exportation of silk and dried fruits that went to Italy and Northern Europe. (Alibhai, 2016)
Plantation practices during Al-Andalus included dry farming alongside irrigated agriculture. (pg. 12, Kichner, 2024)
The Muslims introduced new crops such as rice, sugar cane, oranges, lemons, aubergines, artichokes, and cotton, which were not only consumed locally but also exported. (Eliza, 2021)
Craftmanship
renowned for their skills in various crafts, including pottery, metalwork, textile production, and leatherwork.
These goods were not only sold locally but also exported to other parts of Europe and the Middle East, contributing to the wealth and prosperity of Al-Andalus.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTIC
HISTORICAL/CONTEXTUAL INFLUENCES
religion diversity
muslim
began with the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century.
christian
Iberian Peninsula was predominantly Christian under the Visigothic Kingdom.
jews
Jews have been present in the Iberian Peninsula since at least the Roman period.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE & ELEMENT
style intergration
Islamic architecture
umayyad influence
horseshoe arches
elaborate stucco work
geometric
vegetal patterns
Abassid influence
monumental structures
intricate decoration
Almohad and Almoravid
ribbed domes
integration of ornamental inscriptions.
local Iberian
Visigothic and Roman Elements
Visigothic horseshoe arch
Roman construction techniques
Mudejar Influence
Syncretic Style
ornate tilework
wood carving
brickwork
Christian
Gothic
Renaissance
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
"calicostrado" rammed earth wall