Madrid (al-Majrit)
Madrid is the capital of the modern Spanish state, a cosmopolitan city located
roughly in the center of the country. The city acquired its European quality
during the 17th century and beyond, when Spain was at the peak of its confidence
and power. The name of the city, however, hints at its Arabic roots: "Madrid"
comes from "al-majrit," meaning "the water channel." Find
out more... See
Pictures of Madrid
Toledo (Tulaytulah)
Toledo is located roughly in the center of the Iberian peninsula, 42 miles
southwest of Madrid. It is situated on a large hill and is surrounded on three
sides by the Tagus river, creating a natural fortress. As a result of its
isolated position, Toledo retains a quaint medieval aire, with narrow
cobblestone streets and various handicraft shops. Find
out more... See
Pictures of Toledo
Cordoba (Qurtubah)
Cordoba, located alongside the Guadalquivir River, is an ancient city that has
existed at least since Roman times. After the Muslim conquest of Iberia in 711,
the Umayyad amirs made Cordoba the capital of al-Andalus. By the 10th century,
Cordoba had become one of the greatest cities in the world, thanks to the
efforts of the powerful and wise caliph Abd al-Rahman III.
Find out more... See
Pictures of Cordoba
Sevilla (Ishbiliyah)
Sevilla sits along the Guadalquivir river, which was a vital element of Andalusi
life. The river provided access from the city to the Atlantic Ocean. Muslims
inhabited the city following their conquest of the peninsula, and created a
vibrant society where arts and poetry flourished. The city was lost to the
Christian forces in 1248 CE. Find out more... See
Pictures of Sevilla
Gibraltar
(Jabal Tariq)
Gibraltar is the site on the southern coast of Spain where Tariq ibn Ziyad
landed in 711 CE and began the conquest of the peninsula. This U.K. territory
lies near Algeciras, a major Spanish port city. Across the Mediterranean sits
Tangier in Morocco, and the Straights of Gibraltar mark the narrow waterway
between these two cities. Find out more... See
Pictures of Gibraltar
Granada (Gharnatah)
Granada reached its apogee under the Nasrid rulers from the 13th-15th centuries.
The city is named after the prized pomegranate fruit, which has grown in the
region for ages. Granada is a popular tourist destination today due to the
presence of the famous Alhambra palace and gardens, unique in the world.
Find out more... See
Pictures of Granada
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