Apr 26, 2019
Kurtuba Camii, İspanya "Doğu da batı da Allâh’a aittir. Öyleyse (namaz kılmak için) her nerede (yüzlerinizi kıble tarafına) yöneltirseniz, Allâh’ın vechi (yönelmenizi emrettiği cihet) işte oradadır!"
(Bakara Sûresi: 115'ten)
seen from United States
seen from India
seen from Yemen
seen from United Arab Emirates
seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
seen from Germany
seen from Türkiye
seen from Malaysia
seen from Türkiye
seen from Germany
seen from France
seen from Canada
seen from Malaysia
seen from Canada
seen from Türkiye
seen from Germany
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from United States
Kurtuba Camii, İspanya "Doğu da batı da Allâh’a aittir. Öyleyse (namaz kılmak için) her nerede (yüzlerinizi kıble tarafına) yöneltirseniz, Allâh’ın vechi (yönelmenizi emrettiği cihet) işte oradadır!"
(Bakara Sûresi: 115'ten)
The Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, also known as the Mezquita-Catedral, stands as one of Spain’s most significant historical landmarks, blending Islamic and Christian architecture in a unique harmony. This article traces the mosque’s journey from its establishment in the 8th century, through its expansions and transformation into a cathedral, focusing on its architectural details like the forest of columns and the mihrab. It also explores its cultural and historical aspects, including the hydraulic system and the interplay of civilizations. The article concludes with a personal analysis, frequently asked questions, and a summary table of key points.History: From Mosque to CathedralConstruction of the Cordoba Mosque began in 784 CE on the ruins of a Visigothic church. It underwent significant expansions between the 8th and 10th centuries, making it one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world at the time.After Cordoba’s reconquest in 1236 CE, Christian authorities converted the mosque into a cathedral and added Christian elements, such as a Gothic cathedral, in the 16th century.EventDateDetailsStart of Construction784 CEBuilt on the ruins of a Visigothic church.Expansions8th-10th CEExpanded to accommodate more worshippers.Conversion to Cathedral1236 CEChristian elements added after the reconquest.Gothic Cathedral Construction16th CEA cathedral was built within the mosque.“In 1984, the Mosque-Cathedral was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and architectural value.”(Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org)Architecture: Details Bridging CivilizationsForest of ColumnsThe prayer hall houses 856 columns made of marble, jasper, and granite, sourced from Roman and Byzantine structures. Horseshoe-shaped double arches, painted in red and white, connect these columns.The columns showcase engineering ingenuity, with stone bases of varying sizes used to level the floor.The MihrabThe mihrab, designed in the 10th century, is among the most beautiful in the Islamic world. It features a shell-shaped dome covered in golden mosaics crafted by Byzantine artisans. Quranic inscriptions from Surah An-Nur, written in ornate Kufic script, surround it. "856 stone columns supporting the prayer hall, connected by red-and-white double arches.""A geometric marvel of columns and double arches mimicking a natural forest."“The mihrab reflects cultural exchange between Al-Andalus and the Byzantine Empire, with artisans sent by the Byzantine emperor to decorate it.”(Source: Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico, iaph.es)Domes and the Royal DoorThe domes, adorned with golden and blue mosaics, are supported by intersecting ribs forming a star-shaped design, an innovation that later inspired Gothic architecture. The Royal Door, one of the oldest entrances, features intricate plasterwork and Kufic inscriptions mentioning the artisans’ names, a rare detail in Islamic architecture.Cultural Aspects: A Symbol of IntegrationThe mosque blends Umayyad, Visigothic, and Roman influences, making it a model of cultural integration. Its windows allow natural light to highlight the mosaics’ beauty, while the columns and arches enhance acoustics, carrying the imam’s voice clearly. A hydraulic system beneath the floor, used for ablution and irrigation, demonstrates advanced engineering. "A 10th-century mihrab with Byzantine mosaics and ornate Kufic script from Surah An-Nur.""Integration of Christian and Islamic architecture after Cordoba’s reconquest in 1236."Lesser-Known Details- Mihrab Orientation: The mihrab faces south instead of Mecca, reflecting a tradition inspired by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.- Lost Library: The mosque was a cultural hub with a vast library, most of whose manuscripts were lost after Cordoba’s fall.- Symbolic Colors: The red in the arches symbolizes life, while white represents purity in Andalusian culture.ArchUp Opinion: Analysis and CritiqueThe Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral is an exceptional example of architectural creativity, blending aesthetics and functionality. The forest of columns creates a sense of vastness and spirituality, while the Byzantine mosaics highlight a high level of cultural collaboration. However, the addition of the Gothic cathedral in the center raises questions about balancing heritage preservation with new additions. This insertion reduced the original mosque’s space, potentially diminishing the visitor’s experience of its Islamic design.From an architectural perspective, designers could have integrated the Christian elements more subtly to preserve visual harmony.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Is the Cordoba Mosque still used as a mosque?No, it currently serves as a cathedral. However, Islamic prayers may take place in exceptional cases when authorized by the relevant authorities.Why doesn’t the mihrab face Mecca?Its southern orientation reflects a tradition in the western Islamic world, influenced by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.Can the Mosque-Cathedral be visited?Yes, it is open to visitors as a tourist site and is one of Spain’s most visited landmarks.What makes the mosque unique?Its architectural design, combining Islamic, Byzantine, and Roman influences, alongside engineering feats like the hydraulic system.Summary TableAspectDetailsConstruction HistoryBegan in 784 CE, expanded in 8th-10th CE, converted to cathedral in 1236 CE.Forest of Columns856 columns with red-and-white double arches.MihrabAdorned with Byzantine mosaics and Surah An-Nur inscriptions, faces south.Hydraulic SystemUnderground system for ablution and irrigation.Current StatusCathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions of visitors annually.The Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral illustrates how architecture can bridge civilizations, preserving the legacy of Al-Andalus in the heart of Spain.https://archup.net/byzantine-architecture-timeless-masterpieces/ Read the full article
#cordobacathedral #CordobaMosque #cordobacathedralmosque #Córdoba #Cordoba #Kurtuba #Endülüs #Andalucia #Spain #İspanya #Tourism #Travel #Journey #Discover #Andalus #AlAndalus #Mosque #Cathedral #Muslim #Catholicchurch #church #Kilise #Katedral #Cami #Mezquita (Córdoba, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2dKIVph09Z/?igshid=mofeg6ywlstb
#cordobacathedral #CordobaMosque #cordobacathedralmosque #Córdoba #Cordoba #Kurtuba #Endülüs #Andalucia #Spain #İspanya #Tourism #Travel #Journey #Discover #Andalus #AlAndalus #Mosque #Cathedral #Muslim #Catholicchurch #church #Kilise #Katedral #Cami #Mezquita (Grand Mosque Cathedral Cordoba) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Z27pxhZsS/?igshid=1n5cpqf4h6vg6
#cordobacathedral #CordobaMosque #cordobacathedralmosque #Córdoba #Cordoba #Kurtuba #Endülüs #Andalucia #Spain #İspanya #Tourism #Travel #Journey #Discover #Andalus #AlAndalus #Mosque #Cathedral #Muslim #Catholicchurch #church #Kilise #Katedral #Cami #Mezquita (Cordoba Mezquita: The great Mosque) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2R8MFaB9mD/?igshid=1bhttedyy8kqe
#cordobacathedral #CordobaMosque #cordobacathedralmosque #Córdoba #Cordoba #Kurtuba #Endülüs #Andalucia #Spain #İspanya #Tourism #Travel #Journey #Discover #Andalus #AlAndalus #Mosque #Cathedral #Muslim #Catholicchurch #church #Kilise #Katedral #Cami #Mezquita (Cordoba Mezquita: The great Mosque) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PYC4Phj1s/?igshid=19cw9s7rkblda
#cordobacathedral #CordobaMosque #cordobacathedralmosque #Córdoba #Cordoba #Kurtuba #Endülüs #Andalucia #Spain #İspanya #Tourism #Travel #Journey #Discover #Andalus #AlAndalus #Mosque #Cathedral #Muslim #Catholicchurch #church #Kilise #Katedral #Cami #Mezquita (Cordoba Mezquita: The great Mosque) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2MyxBvBxby/?igshid=6nm8mnj2d8db
#cordobacathedral #CordobaMosque #cordobacathedralmosque #Córdoba #Cordoba #Kurtuba #Endülüs #Andalucia #Spain #İspanya #Tourism #Travel #Journey #Discover #Andalus #AlAndalus #Mosque #Cathedral #Muslim #Catholicchurch #church #Kilise #Katedral #Cami #Mezquita (Cordoba Mezquita: The great Mosque) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Ked-CB1rN/?igshid=13klwos90wni9