2008 SUMMER CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR

Explore Muslim Spain

June 18-30, 2008

Participate in this unique 12 day cultural heritage tour!

Learn about and experience the cultural, artistic and intellectual legacy of Muslim civilization in southern Spain (Al-Andalus)! Visit exquisite examples of Muslim architecture such as the Great Masjid of Cordoba, the Alhambra palace in Granada, and the Alcazar in Sevilla! Climb the rock of Gibraltar (Jabal Tariq), where the story of Muslim Spain began. Enjoy the climate and landscape of southern Spain. Interact with Muslims living in Spain today and strengthen the bonds of ummah!

Program Fee Structure (per person)

*A $250 non-refundable deposit per person is required in order to be considered registered for the tour. The deposit is non-refundable if you withdraw from the tour. However, if IslamiCity cancels the tour for any reason, your deposit and any additional amount paid will be returned.

Program Fee Discounts
In a party of 2 or more travelers, the first person will be charged the full fee (according to the schedule above), and each additional traveler will be charged the full fee minus 10%. It also pays to register early: for example, a family of four (14 and over) would pay $9250.00 if registered by March 15, compared to $10,175.00 if registered between March 16 and April 15, for a savings of $925.00 for the family! Children between ages 5-13 are charged a flat rate of $1500.00, possibly resulting in further reduction of your total fees.

Airfare and Travel Documents
Program fee does not include airfare. You are responsible for purchasing your own flight tickets, based on to your point of origin and personal plans before and after the tour. Book flights to/from Madrid. See the itinerary for arrival and departure dates.

All travelers need a valid, up-to-date passport. Participants must make their own visa arrangements as needed (allow ample time). Citizens of the US and the European Union do not need a visa for Spain or Gibraltar. Ensure that you have medical insurance coverage while abroad (participants are responsible for their own medical expenses).

Description
The program consists of a 12-day/11-night study tour of southern Spain. Participants must check in and join the group at the designated hotel in Madrid by the afternoon of Thursday, June 19, 2008 (this typically means departing the U.S. on Wednesday, June 18). Adjust accordingly depending on point of origin and flight details.

The IslamiCity travel study program features:

• Logistics customized for Muslim travelers (meals, prayer times, etiquettes, etc.)

• Tours of historic sites and monuments of particular interest to Muslims, beyond those covered in typical tourist contexts

• Interaction with local Muslim religious leaders, scholars, professionals, community members

One of the most fascinating eras of Muslim history is that of the Muslims of Iberia (Spain & Portugal). Muslims lived on the peninsula for over eight centuries. The Muslim territory was known as al-Andalus. From 711 to 1492, the mixed Arab-Hispanic-Berber Muslims in Iberia matured and demonstrated many great achievements of classical Islamic civilization. Numerous advances were made in the sciences, religious studies, the arts, architecture, literature & poetry, urban and agricultural technology, and other spheres of life. Jews and Christians by and large prospered in al-Andalus and Muslim culture influenced Christian society in the north.

This program will give students an in-depth overview of the history of Islamic Iberia, starting with the Muslim conquest in 711 and ending with the loss of Granada in 1492 to Christian conquerors, and the subsequent challenges faced by Muslim communities living under Christian rule until the 17^th century. Students will learn about the many amazing men and women who gave al-Andalus its unique character, and the nature of medieval Muslim society. Students will read primary sources in English that capture the spirit of the times, and will visit monuments in southern Spain that point to the rich heritage of Muslims. In the cities of Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada, we will see: the Great Masjid of Cordoba, the Alhambra palace complex, a medieval hammam (bath), Madinat al-Zahra (the Umayyad palace city), Roman ruins, medieval synagogues, archeological museums, and other sites. In addition, we will interact with the present-day Muslim communities in these cities, and visit and offer jum'ah prayers in masjids in Madrid and Granada, inshaAllah.

In addition, we will enjoy a day trip to Gibraltar (Jabal Tariq), where we will reach the summit, explore caves, visit a fortress, and enjoy lunch in the quaint town at the base of the mountain.

Please note that this is not a deen-intensive or intensive Arabic/religious studies program. The focus is on history, culture and society, relying on contemporary academic scholarship and the lived experience of Muslims in southern Spain. As such, it is an ideal program for heritage travelers, vacationing couples and families, and others interested in diverse experiences.

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