Spain, Andalusia, Madinat al-Zahra, Hall of Abd al-Rahman III
When Abd al-Rahman proclaimed himself Caliph in 929, he founded the palatial city of Madinat al-Zahra as his personal residence and capital of the new Caliphate state. The architecture of the palace was meant to serve as a magnificent representation of the sophisticated protocol that accompanied the caliph's high dignity of position. This is expressed in the splendor of the Hall of Abd al-Rahman III, with its position opening out onto a majestic garden, its basilica design with three naves, and the rich and profuse bas-relief arabesque decoration that covered its walls. On the far wall there is a blind horseshoe arch, before which the caliph presumable sat for formal audiences.
Size: 2912px × 4368px
Location: Spain, Andalusia, Madinat al-Zahra
Photo credit: © Shmuel Magal / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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