Spain

In Granada, we started with a walking tour where we learned some amazing Spanish history. Granada was a very Muslim city and was the last to fall to the Christians in 1492. Shortly following this, all Muslims and Jews were forced out of the city limits past the wall that stood as its border. However, there is a long and complicated history of Muslim and Christian influences that formed Granada.

Much of the Arabic style buildings are still intact, unlike other places. Since this was the last city to fall, much of the newer Christian dwellers didn't feel the need to prove their good Christian faith quite as much and thus left the architecture remaining. The Muslims predominantly found in Granada were mostly Northern Africans, specifically Moroccans, creating a blend of Andalusian and Moroccan culture and food.

At some point, there was a rebellion and civil war within Granada. The Muslims wanted their city back from the Christians, especially since some were still in the city as "converts." This has caused a large number of Muslims and Arab communities to seek out Granada as their new home. Today, the city is an interesting blend of Christianity and Muslim, with mosques built not 200 ft away from churches.

The pictures depict parts of the history I just told. The first and last pictures show parts of the wall that create a border of the city limit. Now, the city extends past these walls. The second picture is of a mosque that was converted into a church. Up at the very top, somewhat hard to see, stands a cross atop 3 balls. The balls are an important aspect of the Islamic faith, demonstrating the Christian domination over the Muslims. Picture 3 is a bit of a strange one. These 3 houses were all noblemen and officials' houses but were built during an economic downturn for Granada. Thus, all three of these buildings' facades are not actual pillars, columns, statues, or even bricks, they're simply painted on. Picture number 4 is a part of what used to be a gate to the city. It served as a vantage point and is sat directly next to a "river" (more like a stream) to create a partial dam and form a reservoir.Read more