What is Moorish Architecture?

In the early eight century, the Moors invaded Spain and marched through the
region defeating any Christian people they found. For nearly seven centuries, the
Moors ruled Spain and their Islamic architectural influence can still be seen,
especially in the southern cities of Spain: Granada, Cordova, Valencia and Seville.
In fact, many of the Spanish Christian churches of today were once Islamic
mosques and buildings.

The courtyards at the Aljafera Palace in Zaragoza, Spain (top) and the Alczar in
Seville, Spain (bottom).
Images courtesy of Bob Borson (top) and Kristina Rust (bottom).

One of the most distinguished characteristics of Moorish architecture is the plain

exterior of a structure with an exquisitely ornate interior. The Moorish people were
nomads and lived in tents; this naturally translated into the interior of the tent being
the one place that was decorated with beautiful textiles, lush gardens and simple,
portable furnishings.
The interior of the buildings were decorated with fantastic and minutely colored
ornamental details. Elements of nature always included in these buildings were
courtyards with gardens, fountains, reflecting pools and exquisite landscapes.

The water feature in the courtyard at the Aljafera Palace.

Image courtesy of Bob Borson.

The climate of the region influenced the building materials used: tile, marble, adobe
brick, clay and plaster. All of these materials would stay cool in the Spanish heat.

Tiled wainscoting in colorful geometric patterns could be found in the majority of

the rooms and mosaic patterns were created with pebbles.

An arcade of scalloped arches at the Aljafera Palace.

Image courtesy of Bob Borson.

The use of geometry in decor was a nod to the Moors' talent in structural design
and mathematics. The Koran forbids the copying of natural forms so instead
craftsman used stars, crescents, crosses, hexagons and octagons. (They were not
allowed to depict human figures, animals and flowers in their designs.) These
geometric shapes and patterns were created in wood, plaster, tile and textile
designs and used these colors in their designs: red, blue, green, white, sliver and
gold.

External surroundings were considered when determining placement of arches to

maximize
the beauty of the vistas as seen here at the Alhambra (left) and the Aljafera
Palace (right).
Images courtesy of Kristina Rust (left) and Bob Borson (right).

The Moorish influence on design is one that acutely reflects the religous and
topographical influences of Islam and Spain. The interior elements of these
buildings- yeseria, artesonado, horseshoe & scalloped arches, stalactites, simple
columns and multifoils - are exquisite and unique. Come back on Friday as we dive
into these ornamental interior features with some more beautiful photography.