Mezquita de Córdoba

Summary

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a monumental example of Islamic architecture in Spain, initially constructed in 785 by Abd al-Rahman I. Over the centuries, it was expanded and modified by various caliphs, including Ismail I, Al-Hakam II, and Almanzor. Key features include its 10 naves, 130 columns, double-arched design, and the iconic mihrab. The mosque's luxurious decoration, such as intricate *ataurique* motifs, reflects the power and wealth of the caliphs. In 1523, Christian architectural elements were introduced with the construction of the cathedral's crossing, blending both Islamic and Christian influences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba was initially constructed by Abdel-Rahman I in 785 to accommodate the growing population of Córdoba, on the site of the Church of San Vicente.
• 😀 The mosque featured 10 naves supported by 130 columns with double arcades, opening onto a rectangular courtyard that was 74 meters long.
• 😀 Isam Iero, the son of Abdel-Rahman I, completed the construction by adding a minaret and extending the prayer hall further in 833.
• 😀 In 833, Abdel-Rahman I added a porticoed nave to the courtyard and extended the mosque with 80 additional columns toward the Guadalquivir River.
• 😀 In 945, Al-Rahman III made further modifications to the mosque, including changes to the patio and the minaret, while his son Alacan II demolished the southern wall to extend the prayer hall with 12 more sections and 120 columns.
• 😀 Three splendid domes were added to the mosque’s mihrab area under Alacan II, marking a period of greater architectural sophistication.
• 😀 The largest and most significant expansion of the mosque occurred between 987 and 990 under Almanzor, where the naves were extended eastward, slightly displacing the mihrab.
• 😀 The patio was also expanded during Almanzor's renovation, and the decoration of the 'Puerta del Perdón' was finalized around this time.
• 😀 In 1523, following the Christian Reconquista, the mosque was converted into a cathedral under the direction of Bishop Alonso Manrique, with Hernán Ruiz overseeing the transept's construction.
• 😀 The mosque's unique architectural design featured a double support system, combining columns and pilasters, as well as horseshoe-shaped arches that were bi-colored with stone and brick, adding aesthetic elegance.

Q & A

Who initiated the construction of the new mosque in Córdoba in 785?

The construction of the new mosque in Córdoba was initiated by Abd al-Rahman I in 785 due to the population growth in the city.

What were the key architectural features of the mosque in its early stages?

The mosque was designed with 10 naves, 130 columns of double arcade, and a rectangular courtyard measuring 74 meters in length.

Who was responsible for finishing the construction of the mosque, and what was their contribution?

Abd al-Rahman I's son, Isma'il I, was responsible for finishing the mosque. He constructed the minaret and completed the building's final touches.

What major addition did Abd al-Rahman I make to the mosque in 833?

In 833, Abd al-Rahman I added a porticoed nave to the courtyard and extended the naves towards the Guadalquivir River, supported by 80 new columns.

How did Abd al-Rahman III contribute to the mosque's expansion in 945?

Abd al-Rahman III modified the courtyard and the minaret and expanded the mosque by demolishing the southern wall, adding 12 more segments and 120 columns to the prayer hall.

What architectural elements were added during the reign of Al-Hakam II in the 10th century?

Under Al-Hakam II, the mosque saw the addition of three beautiful domes and an expansion of the prayer hall. The mihrab area was also redesigned during this period.

What was the major architectural change that Almanzor introduced to the mosque between 987 and 990?

Almanzor's expansion extended the mosque further eastward, causing the mihrab to become slightly off-center due to the proximity of the Guadalquivir River. The courtyard was also expanded during this time.

How did the construction of the Cathedral of Córdoba affect the mosque?

In 1523, the construction of the Cathedral of Córdoba began in the mosque, particularly with the building of the transept under the mandate of Bishop Don Alonso Manrique.

What influence did the Mérida Aqueduct have on the mosque's architecture?

The mosque’s architectural design, particularly the structure of its arches, is believed to have been inspired by the Mérida Aqueduct. The innovative feature of double supports (columns below and pillars above) was a unique design introduced by the Cordoban architect.

What is the symbolic and artistic significance of the decoration in the mihrab area?

The decoration in the mihrab area, including the ataurique (Islamic ornamental motifs), was symbolic of the power and wealth of the Caliph of Córdoba. The intricate marble and ataurique designs were meant to reflect the caliph's authority and the luxury of the time.