The Middle Ages and Modern World

Running head: THE MIDDLE AGES AND MODERN WORLD 1
THE MIDDLE AGES AND MODERN WORLD
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THE MIDDLE AGES AND MODERN WORLD 2
THE MIDDLE AGES AND MODERN WORLD-ALHAMBRA
Brief History
Alhambra is an old citadel, fortress and palace constructed initially as a small fortress in
AD 889 in Granada Spain. The building was however ignored until the 13th century when Nasrid
emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar rebuilt it . He renovated and built its present-day palace and
walls. Its construction, therefore, dates from 1232 to1492. The Alhambra was a City in its own
right made up of medina (a city), the Alcazar (a palace) and the Alcazaba which served as a
military, residential bastion (Sarah, 2019). It is believed that the main reason for the construction
of the Alhambra was the defence of the Nasrid Dynasty. The Alhambra was however not
constructed by a single ruler, but it was built successively by the leaders of the Nasrid Dynasty.
In 1333 Yusuf I, the sultan of Granada converted the Alhambra into a royal palace. It was later
transformed into the royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. Notably, Christopher
Columbus was endorsed for his expedition at the Alhambra. The Alhambra got its name from the
reddish towers and walls that surrounded it. It is a historical object of the Nasrid Dynasty and the
only surviving royal territorial centre (History.com, 2019). Its construction at the top of Al-
Sabika hill was meant to give the inhabitants of the city within a city a perfect view of
approaching enemies.
The Alhambra is enclosed by 1730 meters walls and towers of different sizes.
Additionally, construction sitting on a 26-acre piece of land had its access limited to only four
main gates. Its structures served distinctive functions. For example one of the structures within
the Alhambra served as a residence to the ruler of the Nasrid Dynasty and his close family
members. Secondly, the other served as barracks for the elite guard, responsible for securing the

THE MIDDLE AGES AND MODERN WORLD 3
complex. Finally, the third structure housed court officials. The court officials not only lived
there, but they also worked there (Mirmobiny, 2014).
Current Condition
The Alhambra is currently the only surviving palatine city.T he construction has stood the
test of time, and it is now one of the most visited tourist attraction sites in Europe and one of the
world's most popular tourist attractions. The building still stands adjacent to the city of Granada
just as the time of its construction. The construction has still maintained its many captivating
fountains, gardens, complex decorative programs and sophisticated planning. The intimate
spaces of the Alhambra are still elegant and inviting to the people who visit the prehistoric site.
Built-in as a small fortress in AD 889, the Alhambra was renovated and rebuilt for the
first time in the middle of the 13th century. There are always some occasional repairs and
renovations to the 700 years old monument. On the same note, much remedial work was done at
the Granada Alhambra some years back. However, because of its historical significance, the
construction gets regular renovations in different parts whenever deemed necessary. Therefore,
although the Alhambra has been renovated times, these renovations cannot be classified as major
renovations. Over time the area that was initially restricted has become open to members of the
public. Previously, it was a restricted area housing only the rulers, the army and the court
officials. It has also become a primary attraction site.Since no major changes have been
introduced into its original form, the building's authenticity remains. It's still a remarkable
historical monument providing visitors with a both theoretical and visual history of the ancient
Muslim Dynasty. The renovation work has only enhanced its durability as an important
prehistoric citadel.