Madinat al-Zahra: Unveiling the Caliphate City’s Splendor
Madinat al-Zahra: A Glimpse into Caliphal Workshops
Evidence suggests the existence of significant caliphal workshops operating for Madinat al-Zahra, located within the city itself.
Visitor Impact
One of the most captivating features of the city was the mercury cell, designed to manipulate light and mesmerize viewers.
Construction Timeline
- Construction commenced in 936.
- In 941, the first phase, including the Mosque, was completed and put into use.
- Coinage production moved from Cordoba to the mint in 946-7.
It is believed that Caliph Abd-al Rahman III resided in this palace-city. Buildings continued to be erected during his reign and under the supervision of his son.
Urban Planning and Layout
Madinat al-Zahra was an urban center planned for phased development. A massive rectangular wall enclosed the city, oriented in an east-west direction. The enclosure was approximately 1.5 km in length and half that in width. The rectangle narrowed towards the top center, conforming to the mountain’s shape.
Terraces
The city was organized into three levels or terraces:
Upper Level
This area housed the major buildings, where most excavations have taken place.
Intermediate Level
Extending from Rich Hall, this level formed a terrace or platform leading to the Alto garden. This landscaped area served to isolate the Alcazar. To the left was the garden beneath the Mosque, and to the right, easily accessible, was the intermediate level.
Lower Level
This level, yet to be excavated, likely comprised the city proper, including the souk, shops, and accommodations.
Infrastructure
The city featured a sewage network and a road system with streets and covered passageways. Ramps were strategically placed to facilitate horse access across varying elevations. A water supply network, requiring external infrastructure such as the reused Roman aqueduct of Valdepuentes, was also in place. Roads extended beyond the city walls, connecting it to Cordoba and Almunia.
Materials and Construction
First-class materials were used throughout the construction. All structures were built with stone masonry, adhering to rope and brand techniques, characteristic of Umayyad architecture. Many materials were imported, even from Byzantium, reflecting excellent diplomatic relations. Walls were coated with rich materials, including marble plinths, columns, and floors. Wall decorations consisted of geometric patterns or red motifs on a brown background. The most important buildings were covered in stone veneer.
Anastylosis: The process of recomposing the surface through fragments.
Defenses and Access
The city’s perimeter was defined by a wall fortified with rectangular towers. Access to the city was from the north, via roads from Cordoba. The entrance, located in a forward-bending tower, foreshadowed later Hispano-military architectural solutions.
Key Buildings
The two oldest buildings are the House of Power (Dar al-Mulk) and the Mosque.
Dar al-Mulk
Built in 946, the Dar al-Mulk served as the private residence of Abd-al Rahman III and his entourage. It was situated in a prime location on the upper terrace.