Umayyad Architecture in Al-Andalus: Madinat al-Zahara Details
Interior Architectural Details: Umayyad Style
The interior space is very small. Four central supports featuring horseshoe arches divide the space into nine sections. The supports are Visigothic in origin. Above, a second level features openings with lobed and horseshoe arches. Above these are Caliphate vaults, except in the central section, which is taller and features a third level. This section also has a Caliphate vault.
In front of the mihrab area, decorated intersecting arches are supported on columns. Each of the nine sections features a distinct vault, showcasing a wide decorative repertoire. These vaults are constructed from brick and are relatively small. Some vaults resemble those found in the Great Mosque of Cordoba, while others represent newer designs, potentially influencing later work in Toledo.
The centralized plan with a taller central element shows a relationship with Byzantine architecture. The vaulting techniques also suggest Byzantine origins. The most ornate vaults are located directly in front of the qibla wall and mihrab, forming a T-shaped plan.
Umayyad Palatial Architecture: Madinat al-Zahara
No significant structures remain from the Emirate period. It is known that rulers like Abd al-Rahman I and Abd al-Rahman II used and remodeled existing Visigothic buildings as residences. Abd al-Rahman I constructed a castle outside Cordoba’s walls, reminiscent of Syrian desert palaces.
The defining structure of the Caliphate period is the city-palace of Madinat al-Zahara.
Construction and Inspiration
It represented the pinnacle of architectural and artistic achievement during this period, arguably surpassing even the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Its construction is linked to the establishment of the Caliphate in 929 by Abd al-Rahman III. Following Eastern models, he created a new city to symbolize state power. It drew inspiration from Eastern Islamic models, such as Samarra in Iraq, built by the Abbasid caliphs. Construction began in 936, and it became the most emblematic project of the Caliphate era.
Legends and Costs
Legend attributes the name ‘al-Zahara’ to a favorite wife of the Caliph. One story suggests she donated money intended for freeing captives, which was instead used for the city’s construction when no captives were found. Contemporary writers noted the immense cost, estimating that its construction consumed one-third of the Caliphate’s total treasury.
Later History and Decline
After Abd al-Rahman III’s death, his son, Al-Hakam II, continued the work until 976. Hisham II resided there for his entire life, although construction likely slowed. Later, the powerful hajib Al-Mansur built a rival city, Madinat al-Zahira. This latter city was located east of Cordoba, but no architectural remains have been found.
Madinat al-Zahara is situated west of Cordoba, built on a hillside at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains. The decline of the Caliphate directly impacted Madinat al-Zahara. Following the death of Hisham II, a series of internal struggles led to the city being assaulted and sacked multiple times. After the fall of the Caliphate, it became a source of building materials (a quarry), accelerating its ruin. By the 12th century, Madinat al-Zahara was already an absolute ruin.
Rediscovery and Excavation
In the 15th century, its origins were forgotten, and the ruins were mistakenly identified as Roman. Its recovery began in the early 20th century, around 1911, with surveys and excavations starting. To date, only about 10% of the site has been excavated.
Sources of Information
Information about Madinat al-Zahara comes from two main types of sources:
Documentary Sources
These contemporary accounts express admiration for the city and describe its various components, including:
- Residential areas
- Ceremonial spaces
- Utilities and maintenance areas
- Guard quarters
- Botanical and zoological gardens for the enjoyment of the caliph and his family.
They mention spectacular figures regarding the workforce and daily expenses, including the detail that 1,200 loaves of bread were used daily just to feed the fish in the ponds.
Material Remains
While the standing structures are depleted, archaeological findings, including sumptuary arts, provide valuable data about the city’s construction and decoration.