Publications
Endnotes: Islamic Architecture through Western Eyes: Palaces around the Mediterranean. Volume 3
A comprehensive analysis of Islamic palatial architecture around the Mediterranean, from Algiers to Baghdad, reveals that many grand structures—particularly those dating from the 17th to 19th centuries—were shaped by Western perceptions and influences. The study focuses on civil architecture, excluding religious sites, and highlights how these palaces in cities like Medina Azahara (Madinat al-Zahra) reflect a blend of local traditions and external aesthetic trends. By examining textual and visual sources, the research offers new insights into the interplay between Islamic architectural innovation and Western artistic sensibilities during this period.
The Structure of the Muslim Town and Town Planning
A comprehensive analysis reveals that Muslim towns, particularly those in Morocco and al-Andalus, were often planned settlements with structured layouts, challenging the notion of their being entirely unplanned. The study focuses on newly established towns such as Sijilmasa, Madinat al-Zahra (Medina Azahara), Madinat al Fath, Rabat, and Fez Jedid, providing detailed insights into their urban planning and architectural organization. By examining Jewish neighborhoods and other planned settlements, the research highlights the deliberate design principles that shaped Muslim towns, offering a nuanced understanding of their spatial development.
Aesthetic of appropriation
This study reveals how Christian Iberian rulers employed Umayyad spolia—such as basins and capitals—as a strategic visual tool to assert legitimacy, memory, and identity. By analyzing the reuse of these elements in buildings like San Isidoro de León and churches across Jaca, Valencia, Santander, and Tarragona (12th–13th centuries), it demonstrates that Christian territories adapted an 'Umayyad aesthetic of appropriation,' creating a shared visual language. The research adopts a comparative, interdisciplinary approach, tracing this phenomenon from Umayyad al-Andalus to later Taifa, Almoravid, Almohad, and Christian kingdoms, highlighting its continuity and cultural significance.
Cordoba Menjadi Saksi Masa Kejayaan Peradaban Islam
Cordoba emerged as the pinnacle of Islamic civilization during its golden age, surpassing contemporaries like Baghdad and Cairo in intellectual, architectural, and economic achievements. This study reveals Cordoba's unparalleled advancements under Islamic rule, including a renowned university, one of the world's largest mosques at the time (the Great Mosque of Cordoba), and Europe's longest bridge, which facilitated social and economic activities. The research also highlights the city's cultural assimilation, blending Spanish and Berber traditions with Islamic influences, while its thriving economy sustained this prosperity for over seven centuries. Conducted as a literature-based study, it synthesizes historical sources to demonstrate how Cordoba became a beacon of learning, science, and art, leaving a lasting legacy on European development.
The Visual Culture of al-Andalus in the Christian Kingdoms of Iberia
A comparative and interdisciplinary analysis reveals that the reuse of antique spolia, particularly in Umayyad al-Andalus—evident in landmarks like the Mosque of Córdoba and Madinat al-Zahra—established a distinct visual culture that was later adopted by Christian kingdoms in Iberia. This transfer and adaptation, observed in churches such as Santa Cristina de Lena and San Miguel de Escalada during the 9th–10th centuries, persisted through subsequent Islamic dynasties (Taifa, Almoravid, Almohad) and Christian rulers of León, Castile, and Aragon. The study highlights how these strategies, exemplified by the reuse of Umayyad basins and capitals in sites like San Isidoro de León and the Monastery of Las Huelgas, contributed to a shared visual language, reinforcing legitimacy, memory, and identity across medieval Iberia.
Spolia and Umayyad Mosques
A striking absence of Roman and Late-antique spolia in the construction of the Umayyad mosque at Madinat al-Zahra' contrasts with their widespread use in other Umayyad mosques, such as Córdoba's Friday Mosque. While spolia were typically employed for aesthetic, religious, ideological, or political reasons, the capitals designed for Madinat al-Zahra's prayer room exhibit unique characteristics resembling Visigothic models and suggest a rushed production process. This study synthesizes existing research on Umayyad mosque construction using spolia and proposes new interpretations for these distinctive capitals, offering insights into their cultural and historical significance.
Algo más sobre marfiles de Madinat al-Zahra
A detailed analysis of the plant-based decorative elements on ivory sculptures from the workshop of Madinat al-Zahra reveals the intricate craftsmanship and botanical richness characteristic of Cordoban art. The study, conducted by Chr. Ewerts, meticulously dissected these elements to uncover their symbolic and aesthetic significance, providing new insights into the artistic techniques and cultural influences of the Caliphate City of Medina Azahara.
Madinat al-Zahra Museum
The Madinat al-Zahra Museum, designed with the archaeological site as its centerpiece, offers a unique interpretation of the short-lived but culturally significant Islamic city of Medina Azahara (940–1010 CE) in al-Andalus. It serves as a visual memory of a plural past, highlighting the cultural and religious coexistence that defined this period. The museum's architecture supports a comprehensive museological journey, from excavation and conservation to exhibition, while also integrating findings back into site reconstructions. This approach ensures a dynamic understanding of the city's influence on Western Islamic civilization and its exchanges with Europe and the broader world.
Caliphs, Elites, and Servants in the Qaṣr of Madīnat Al-Zahrā’ in the Light of Its Residential Architecture
Archaeological analysis of the Qaṣr of Madīnat Al-Zahrā’ reveals distinct residential categories among its inhabitants, identifying four key groups: the caliph and heir, high state functionaries, domestic supervisors, and servants. This finding sheds light on the social hierarchy and daily life within this 10th-century Caliphal city. The study focuses on the 'private' sector of the palace complex, using architectural evidence to differentiate roles based on living quarters and functional spaces. By examining spatial organization and structural features, researchers uncover how power dynamics were reflected in residential design, offering new insights into Umayyad governance and elite culture.
Tourist Motivations and Satisfaction in the Archaeological Ensemble of Madinat Al-Zahra
Tourists visiting the UNESCO-listed Caliphate City of Medina Azahara (Madinat Al-Zahra) in Córdoba, Spain, report high satisfaction with both the site and Córdoba as a destination. However, they perceive that this archaeological ensemble is not well-integrated with other city attractions and identify the transport system as a significant weakness. The study used Structural Equation Models to analyze data from 375 tourists, comparing their motivations, expected and perceived value of the destination and monument. Findings highlight the need for improved connectivity and integration of heritage sites within urban tourism strategies.
The Foundations of an Antiquarian Literature for Islamic Architecture
This chapter reveals how Ambrosio de Morales' antiquarian writing on Islamic architecture, particularly the Córdoba Mosque and Madinat al-Zahra (Medina Azahara), laid foundational methods for historical research. It highlights the innovative integration of literary sources, epigraphy, and archaeological analyses—such as materials like stone, brick, and mortar—to document Islamic monuments in 16th-century Spain. Morales' work sparked a methodological debate among contemporaries like Pedro Díaz de Ribas and Gregorio López Madera, challenging classical canons and shaping antiquarian discourse. The study underscores the tension between narratives of Islamic heritage and formal research frameworks, offering insights into early antiquarian practices that bridge literature and archaeology.
Madinat al-Zahra' et Sabra al-Mansuriyya
A comparative analysis of the urbanism and architecture of Madinat al-Zahra' (Umayyad Caliphate) and Sabra al-Mansuriyya (Fatimid Caliphate), two 10th-century administrative capitals, reveals distinct yet parallel political expressions of their respective caliphates. The study highlights how these cities embodied ideological shifts, reflecting changes in power dynamics, religious rites, and architectural traditions. By examining material culture—including urban topography, palatial functions, craftsmanship, and decorative aesthetics—the research identifies common principles underlying 'palatial' or 'governmental cities,' while also underscoring differences rooted in regional influences. This approach challenges traditional, text-based narratives by integrating archaeological evidence to deepen understanding of Islamic statecraft.
Museo Madinat al Zahra en Córdoba
The Museo Madinat al Zahra in Córdoba, designed by Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano (1999-2008), exemplifies how architectural metaphor can enhance comprehension without literal explanation. The structure aligns with the concept of Medina Azahara, a lost Caliphate city, by embodying its historical and cultural essence through spatial design. This approach facilitates an intuitive understanding of the site's significance while preserving its heritage. The research focuses on the interplay between architecture and narrative, demonstrating how metaphorical design can bridge the gap between literal interpretation and conceptual appreciation in historical preservation.
Recientes hallazgos epigráficos en Madinat al-Zahra' y nueva onomástica relacionada con la dar al-sina'a califal
Recent epigraphic discoveries at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Medina Azahara reveal significant new insights into the caliphal city's monumental architecture and historical context. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of inscriptions, including previously undocumented onomastic evidence related to the 'Dar al-Sina'a' (House of Industry), which sheds light on the administrative and economic organization of the Caliphate of Córdoba during its 10th-century heyday. Through meticulous documentation and graphical representation, the research reconstructs lost details about the city's craftsmanship, labor systems, and the social hierarchy within this iconic Islamic urban ensemble. These findings challenge conventional interpretations by providing direct textual evidence that contextualizes Medina Azahara's role as a symbol of political power and cultural innovation under Abd al-Rahman III.
Dádivas preciosas en marfil: la política del regalo en la corte omeya andalusí
Luxurious ivory gifts from the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba, particularly those produced at the palatial city of Madinat al-Zahra’, reveal a sophisticated political discourse centered on prestige and authority. These exquisite artifacts, crafted in official workshops, served as dialectical tools to reinforce power dynamics within the Andalusian court. The study analyzes preserved ivory pieces to uncover how regal gifts functioned as both symbols of sovereignty and instruments of diplomatic engagement, offering rare insights into the sumptuary practices of medieval Western Europe.
Swelling clays in stone materials of the built heritage of Córdoba (Spain)
A significant discovery in the study of Medina Azahara's built heritage reveals that swelling clays, particularly smectite and chlorite-smectite mixed layers, are prevalent in the stone materials used. These clays, found in concentrations of 5-30 wt%, contribute to the weathering of the stone, exacerbating decay processes due to environmental changes like humidity fluctuations. The research analyzed samples from the Palacio de los Páez de Castillejo and three types of stone from Madinat Al-Zahra, highlighting the detrimental impact of these clays on the overall porosity and stability of the stone. This finding underscores the importance of understanding the mineralogical composition in preserving historical structures.
La ciudad blanca; Madinat Al-Zahra
The relationship between time and architecture is illuminated through the material and construction processes at the Museo de Madinat al-Zahra, revealing how these elements serve as a foundation for architectural form. The project draws inspiration from archaeological excavation, guiding its conceptualization, development, and execution. Spatial, material, and constructive decisions emerge from reflections on contemporary architecture, ancient Arab city design, and the preservation of archaeological ruins. This approach bridges modern architectural practices with historical restoration, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of time, materiality, and form in heritage conservation.
Madinat Al-Zahra. La Ciudad Brillante La investigación como difusión
A groundbreaking audiovisual presentation for Madinat al-Zahra, the Caliphate City of Medina Azahara, leverages computer graphics and decades of archaeological research to bridge the gap between scientific rigor and public accessibility. This innovative tool transforms complex historical data into an engaging, easy-to-understand format, serving as a powerful instrument for disseminating scientific knowledge about the site to diverse audiences. The presentation builds on extensive investigations conducted over multiple years, ensuring both accuracy and appeal, thereby enhancing the site's educational impact.
Evolución del paisaje y aprovechamientos económicos en la falda de la sierra cordobesa (Siglos XIII-XV).
A detailed analysis of historical records reveals that the landscape at the foot of the Sierra Cordobesa, long assumed to be primarily dedicated to extensive livestock grazing, was actually a diversified agricultural zone during the 13th to 15th centuries. This area, home to significant historical sites like the ruins of Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba la Vieja), supported not only pastures but also olive groves, vineyards, and gardens that played a crucial role in supplying Córdoba's markets during the Late Middle Ages. The study challenges traditional narratives by leveraging documentary sources to reconstruct a more complex economic landscape, highlighting its multifaceted contributions to the region's subsistence and trade.
Uso y lectura turística de los grandes conjuntos arqueológicos. Reflexiones a partir del Estudio de Público de Medina Azahara / Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba)
Visitors to large archaeological sites, such as the Caliphate City of Medina Azahara (Córdoba, Spain), exhibit distinct patterns of cultural consumption that significantly influence their experience and engagement with heritage. This study reveals that while these sites are increasingly integrated into local socioeconomic development strategies, their potential as tourist resources remains understudied, particularly in terms of visitor behavior and interpretation. Analyzing data from Medina Azahara, researchers identified key characteristics of visitors, including their usage patterns and interpretations, which provide critical insights for future heritage management. The findings suggest that understanding these dynamics is essential to maximizing the role of such sites in cultural tourism destinations.
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