The Iberian Peninsula is a multinational and multicultural space where two large modern European states, Spain and Portugal, peacefully coexist. These territories are very colorful not only in terms of the inhabiting peoples, but are also famous for their natural complexes. The centuries-old history has left its traces in architecture and in the minds of citizens.
Rise and fall
Where was the Emirate of Granada located? The city of Granada itself is located right at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range on its northeast side. Part of the suburb, which is called "old", is located on three hills: Sabica, Sacromonte and Albaicin.
Modern Granada in the past was inhabited by Iberian tribes. They also built the settlement, which was later recaptured by the Romans and named Illiberis.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Granada region went to the Vandals, but in 534 the state of the latter ceased to exist, and the area passed into the hands of the Byzantines. But already in the 7th century, the Iberian state began to grow in this place.
The Moors left the greatest imprint on the modern look of Granada. It was they who captured the city in 711 and even renamed it Kalat-Ghartata. During the period of stay on these lands of the Moors, the city was transformed in terms of architecture, received a kind of cultural touch and way of life. Granada became a scientific and cultural center, the production of silk and elite weapons was born here.
In 1012, the Berbers took over Granada and its ruler, Zawi ibn Ziri, who made the city the seat of the Zirid government dynasty, had to leave the throne. During the century of their rule, the boundaries of the city expanded significantly, and Granada became the richest city in Andalusia. The power of the Nisrid dynasty lasted the longest on these lands, under which the Emirate of Granada was formed. Until 1492, many architectural monuments appeared in Granada, which are associated with the Arab period.
By the end of the 15th century, the Emirate of Granada was a stronghold of Islamic religion and culture.
Reconquista did not pass by these lands, and the city fell under the onslaught of the Spanish kings. This event led to the decline of the flourishing city, it became an ordinary provincial Spanish town. The appearance of streets, buildings and the whole city as a whole has also changed.
Life in the Emirate of Granada
Where was the Emirate of Granada located? On what peninsula was one of the ancient strongholds of the Islamic religion located? The last Muslim state in Europe lasted until 1492. Located on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula in the highlandsthe Mediterranean region, it was difficult for the enemy to reach, it was difficult to surround and isolate it. This became the reason for the viability of the state itself.
The Emirate of Granada existed on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula for more than 250 years. And besides the favorable geographical position, other factors contributed to this.
Despite the religious contradictions between Islam and Christianity, the more pressing problems of the medieval world remained completely different. The peninsula was inhabited by people from various denominations. At the same time, they did not live far from each other, many Catholics lived on Muslim lands and vice versa. Muslims occupied a significant part of the population. Jews were the third significant nationality. The heterogeneity of living gradually smoothed out the contradictions between peoples and religions and made it possible to form a special type of lifestyle and culture of the emirate.
Wars
Strife in the Iberian Peninsula did not always arise on religious grounds, but more because of the struggle for new territories. In addition to Granada, another Muslim force was the North African Marinids. They, like all other forces, entered into short-lived alliances and truces that lost their relevance literally in a matter of days. In the Middle Ages, three main kingdoms were clearly distinguished here: Aragonese, Castile and Portuguese. Disunity and strife only weakened them.
Culture and religion
Where is the Emirate of Granadanow? Granada is a beautiful and unique city, not only from a historical point of view. Ripe pomegranate fruit is the heraldic symbol of this truly heavenly place. The Emirate of Granada is located in the east of Andalusia, in the south of modern Spain.
Religious tolerance
Christians, Jews and Muslims were left the right to perform their religious rites in their own temples. Only in return they must recognize worldly power and pay certain taxes.
Language
There was no official language in the emirate. In legal proceedings and the highest circles of society, both Arabic and Latin, and Hebrew were fully used. This was due to the high level of development of Muslim Spain and the presence of educated Jews and Christians in the state apparatus. The entire population was under the general protection of the ruler, regardless of religion and nationality.
Economic Development
The capital of the Emirate of Granada, Granada, is the most economically developed of all the cities in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
The population was engaged in agriculture and crafts. In connection with the provisions of the Koran and the ban on the consumption of pork, sheep breeding developed.
The mild Mediterranean climate made it possible to actively develop agriculture, and in addition to growing cereals, horticulture and the cultivation of olive trees were well developed here.
Artisans occupied entire blocks of major Islamic cities. The craft was a family occupation or the occupation of entire communities. Community life was very activein terms of protecting its inhabitants and caring for its poor and sick members.
Trading
The constant state of war did not weaken the internal and external trade of the peninsula at all. In times of truces, merchants were even more intensively mastering the markets of their opponents. The main trading partners were the neighbors - the coast of North Africa and the Christian kingdoms. The main goods were: olive oil, wool, weapons and jewelry. Valuable ivory, spices and cotton were brought from Africa to the Emirate of Granada.
Alhambra
Granada's world famous landmark is the legendary Alhambra palace complex. It was built during the reign of the Moorish Nisrid dynasty. Until now, its walls rise on a hill and are visible from every corner of the city. This is not just a military building, but also the entire residence of Muslim rulers.
The Emirate of Granada today is a beautiful place on the Iberian Peninsula, combining several states at once and having a rich centuries-old history.
