Journeys of faith: The Umayyad Caliphate – from Syria to Spain
In May 711 CE (92 AH), the great Berber General Tariq ibn Ziyad landed on the rocky promontory, on the south-western tip of Europe, which still bears his name to this day – Jabal Tariq, ‘Mountain of Tariq’ or as it is better known in its Anglicized version, Gibraltar. Sailing with him from Tangier was an army of some 7000 men, many of them recent converts to Islam. The fame of his victory over the Visigoths, defeating an army of around 100,000, has captured the imagination of chroniclers and historians, who have further embellished their reports of his brave leadership with each passing century.
A legendary general – Tariq ibn Ziyad
Increasingly elaborate accounts of his landing are described by historians, from across the Arab world, writing centuries after the events in question. He is renowned for the daring act of setting fire to his fleet and then addressing his troops with the now famous, inspirational speech, reported by the 17th century historian Al Maqqari in his work Nafh al-Tib:
“Oh people, where is the escape? The sea is behind you, and the enemy before you, and by Allah, you have nothing (left) but conviction and perseverance.”
His army advanced across the Iberian peninsula to Granada, Cordoba and Toledo, claiming it for the Umayyad Caliphate, a vast dynasty, which had spread Islam from its heartlands in what is now Syria, all the way across North Africa. He was later joined by fellow General and Governor Musa ibn Nusayr and between them they captured two thirds of the peninsula. It was to remain under Umayyad rule for almost 800 years.
The golden age of Al Andalus
The Umayyad Caliphate had a long history of military success, at one point covering over 4 million square miles. However, this was to come to a brutal end when its heartlands in Syria were attacked by the Abbasids, prompting one of its last surviving leaders, Abd al-Rahman I to flee to Spain.
This, however, was the beginning of a new era of Islamic rule for the region known as Al Andalus, or today’s Andalusia, which lasted right up to the 15th century. The region’s new Muslim rulers brought together Islamic culture with European and Mediterranean influences to create a golden age where colleges and libraries were established and the arts and sciences prospered. It was the birthplace of major achievements, advances and discoveries which still have an impact today on fields as diverse as trigonometry (Jabir ibn Aflah), astronomy (al-Zarqali), surgery (al-Zahrawi) and pharmacology (Ibn Zuhr).
The ‘Golden Triangle’
Known as the Golden Triangle, the area encompassing Cordoba, Granada, and Seville is extremely popular with those rediscovering Spain’s Islamic heritage today. It is easily accessible on a road trip or by basing yourself in one of the centres or on the coast and taking daytrips to visit the sights.
What to see in Andalusia
Perhaps the most famous buildings, remaining from this period, is the Alhambra, the hilltop fortress-palace in Granada, established in the 13th century by the first Nasrid King, Mohammed I, and transformed into a luxurious palace decorated with intricate Islamic designs, by his successors. You can benefit from the shade of its leafy gardens, and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Great Mosque of Cordoba, also known as the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, has been used as a place of worship throughout its long and chequered history, from the Romans to the Catholics who use it as a cathedral today. There is no doubt, however, that its most stunning features date from its time as a mosque. You can still see its breath-taking prayer hall with its magnificent elaborate columns, its marble mihrab, sparkling dome, adorned with gold mosaics, its refreshing courtyard fountain, fragrant citrus grove and what was once its minaret, which is now used as a bell tower.
In Seville, little remains today of the Great Mosque of Seville, other than its minaret, now used as a bell tower and known as the Giralda. You can, however, still see the mihrab in the Cathedral and enjoy the original mosque’s courtyard, the Patio de los Naranjos, bursting with orange trees.
You should also visit the Alcazar (which means palace or fortress in Arabic), a royal palace built in the 14th century.
Moorish Architecture
The Umayyad dynasty was already famous for its beautiful architecture, from the Great Mosque of Damascus to the Dome of the Rock in Al Quds. This architectural style, characterised by its elegant horseshoe arches, vaulted domes, decorative mosaics and tiles, spacious courtyards and square tower-like minarets, came to be known as ‘Moorish’ during the period of Al Andalus. Its influence spread right across North Africa.
The minaret of the impressive Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech is one of the finest examples of this style, with its 77-metre tall square tower beautifully decorated with ceramic tiles and alternating motifs.
Tunisia is also home to some wonderful examples of Moorish architecture, which can be seen in the historic medinas of its major cities such as Sousse and Tunis. Especially impressive are the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Al-Zaytuna and Kasbah Mosques in Tunis, with their distinctive domes.
The journey of the Umayyad Caliphate from Syria to Spain is a shining example of the transformative power of Islam, spreading faith, knowledge, and culture across vast lands. From the valour of Tariq ibn Ziyad to the flourishing golden age of Al Andalus, the Caliphate's legacy continues to inspire through its architectural marvels. These timeless symbols of Islamic heritage not only reflect the deep wisdom and beauty of the faith but also stand as a testament to the enduring connection between East and West, rooted in the pursuit of knowledge, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment.