Al-Andalus
الأندلسDefinition
Muslim Spain — which Ibn Battuta visited during the final century of Islamic rule in the peninsula, when only the Kingdom of Granada remained as an independent Muslim state after centuries of Christian reconquest. His account captures a civilisation in its twilight: still producing scholars and architecture of extraordinary beauty — the Alhambra was under active construction during his visit — while shrinking year by year under the pressure of the surrounding Christian kingdoms. The contrast between the cultural magnificence and the political vulnerability of Granada gives this section of the Rihla a melancholy depth, as Ibn Battuta records a world he instinctively senses is living on borrowed time, a premonition that would be confirmed a century and a half later when Granada fell in 1492.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Battuta and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Al-Andalus.
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"anchored there. He traveled with me the next day, and we arrived at the city of Malaga, one of the bases of Al-Andalus, combining the advantages of land and sea, rich in goods and fruits. I saw grapes being sold in its markets at the rate of eight pounds for a small dirham. Its pomegranate, known as the ruby red, is unparalleled in the world. As for figs and almonds, they are imported into the eastern and western lands from there and its surrounding areas. Ibn Juzay said, this was alluded to by the preacher Abu Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab ibn Ali al-Maliki in his composition, which is a fine example of rhetorical wordplay. Malaga, hail to your figs, for the vessels come to"
— Ibn Battuta, Volume Two: From India to the Lands of the West
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"or Kashan, or Sawa, or Awwa, or Tus, the doer would perish because they are extreme Rafidites. Ibn Juzay said, I witnessed in the city of Parshana, in the valley of Mansura, in the land of Al-Andalus, may Allah protect it, a minaret that shook without anyone mentioning any cave or others. to it. It is within the great mosque there, and its construction is not ancient. It stands as one of the most beautiful sights you could witness, symmetrical and tall, without tilt or deviance. I went up it once with a group of people. Some of those with me took hold of its sides and shook it, causing it to sway until I signaled them to stop, and they ceased"
— Ibn Battuta, Volume One: From Tangier to the Lands of the East
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"which is about a mile or so from the town. There a house for men's bathing and another for women's bathing are found. Then I travelled from there to Granada, the capital of Al-Andalus and the bride of its cities. Its surroundings are unmatched in the lands of the world. It is a journey of 40 miles, traversed by the famous river Shinal and many other rivers, gardens, meadows, orchards and palaces. Vineyards encircle it on all sides. One of its wondrous places is Ain Ad-Dama, Eye of Tears, a mountain with gardens and orchards unparalleled elsewhere."
— Ibn Battuta, Volume Two: From India to the Lands of the West
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